RBM15 impairs Hepatic Mitochondria and β-Oxidation through m6A-dependent degradation of MCM3 mRNA

Diabesity, defined as obesity accompanied by Type 2 diabetes mellitus, is characterized by metabolic dysfunction and mitochondrial impairment. Here, we investigate the role of N6-methyladenosine (m6A)-mediated RNA regulation in regulating hepatic mitochondrial function and fatty acid β-oxidation during diabesity progression. Diabesity was modeled in male C57BLKS/J db/db mice, with db/m lean mice as controls; in vitro models were established using primary hepatocytes isolated from male C57BL/6J mice exposed to high glucose and palmitate. Our results showed that MCM3 was significantly downregulated in diabesity models. MCM3 overexpression improved hepatic mitochondrial function and fatty acid β-oxidation. Mechanistically, MCM3 increased NRF2 in hepatocytes by competitive combination with KEAP1. In addition, RBM15 overexpression accelerated m6A-YTHDF2-mediated MCM3 mRNA decay. As expected, MCM3 knockdown negated the metabolic benefits of RBM15 knockdown. In conclusion, m6A-dependent MCM3 downregulation by RBM15/YTHDF2 impaired hepatic mitochondrial function and fatty acid β-oxidation in diabesity by reducing NRF2. RBM15 exacerbates diabesity by impairing mitochondrial function and fatty acid β-oxidation in hepatocytes through promoting degradation of MCM3 mRNA in an m6A YTHDF2-dependent manner.