mA RNA methylation controls salivary gland epithelial cell function and has a protective role in Sjögren's disease.

Objectives: The RNA epitranscriptomic modification known as -methyladenosine (mA) represents a novel mechanism of gene regulation that is poorly understood in human autoimmune diseases. Our research explores the role of this RNA mA modification in salivary gland epithelial cells (SGEC) and its impact on the pathogenesis of Sjögren's disease (SjD).

Methods: SGECs from SjD patients and controls were analysed for mA writers METTL3 and METTL14 expression using RNA-seq, quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry.

Inhibition of Vascular Endothelial Cadherin Cleavage Prevents Elastic Fiber Alterations and Atherosclerosis Induced by Intermittent Hypoxia in the Mouse Aorta.

Intermittent hypoxia (IH), the major feature of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), induces atherosclerosis and elastic fiber alterations. VE-cadherin cleavage is increased in OSAS patients and in an IH-cellular model. It is mediated by HIF-1 and Src-tyr-kinases pathways and results in endothelial hyperpermeability.