Mechanisms of METTL14-Mediated m6A Modification in Promoting Iron Overload-Induced Lipid Peroxidative Damage in Vascular Endothelial Cells to Aggravate Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic multifactorial disease with damage to vascular endothelial cells (VECs). This study sought to delve into the mechanism of methyltransferase-like 14 (METTL14) in iron overload-induced lipid peroxidative damage in AS. AS mouse model and cell model were established. Levels of METTL14/circRNA coded by the Arhgap12 (circARHGAP12)/Aspartate β-hydroxylase (ASPH) were determined. AS plaque area/lipid deposition/lipid metabolism in AS mice and iron overload in VECs were evaluated. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) level and METTL14 enrichment and human antigen R (HuR) in circARHGAP12 or ASPH were measured. The mRNA stability of circARHGAP12 or ASPH was analyzed. We observed that METTL14 was upregulated in AS mice. METTL14 downregulation reduced plaque area/lipid deposition/iron overload/peroxidative damage in AS mice. In cell models, METTL14 downregulation could VEC injury/iron overload/lipid peroxidative damage. Mechanically, METTL14 increased the stability and expression of circARHGAP12 through m6A modification, further stabilized ASPH mRNA, and promoted ASPH transcription by binding to HuR. Overexpression of circARHGAP12 or inhibition of ASPH averted the protective role of METTL14 downregulation against iron overload-induced peroxidative damage in AS. In conclusion, METTL14-mediated m6A modification upregulated circARHGAP12 and ASPH to aggravate overload-induced lipid peroxidative damage and facilitate AS progression.