LncRNA HOTAIR Interaction With WTAP Promotes m6A Methyltransferase Complex Assembly and Posterior Capsule Opacification Formation by Increasing THBS1.

Purpose: To explore the role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and N6-methyladenosine (m6A) in posterior capsule opacification (PCO) and their underlying mechanisms.

Methods: The localization of lncRNAs and proteins was analyzed using fluorescence in situ hybridization and immunofluorescence staining. RNA m6A quantification, RNA immunoprecipitation, co-immunoprecipitation, MeRIP-seq, MeRIP-qPCR, western blotting, wound healing, and Transwell assays were applied to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

Results: The levels of lncRNA HOX transcript antisense intergenic RNA (HOTAIR) and m6A methylation increased significantly during epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in lens epithelial cells (LECs). HOTAIR promoted EMT and m6A methyltransferase activity but had no effect on methyltransferase activity and was not modified by m6A. Nevertheless, HOTAIR interacted with WT1-associated protein (WTAP), a key m6A writer protein, facilitating WTAP-mediated recruitment of METTL3-METTL14 heterodimers and enhancing m6A modification. The HOTAIR/WTAP complex elevated m6A levels, thrombospondin 1 (THBS1) expression, and EMT in LECs.

Conclusions: LncRNA HOTAIR enhances the assembly of the WTAP/METTL3/METTL14 complex and promotes EMT in LECs by upregulating m6A modification and THBS1 expression. Targeting the HOTAIR/WTAP/THBS1 pathway may prevent or treat PCO.