The involvement of the RNA demethylase FTO in synaptic function

The epitranscriptome, the reversible and dynamic regulation of RNA by chemical modifications, plays a vital role in governing RNA's fate and function. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant and functionally relevant RNA modification, affecting mRNA splicing, transport, storage, stability, translation, and decay. The Fat Mass and Obesity-related protein (FTO) is an m6A eraser that plays a role in memory formation in the brain. Our study aimed to investigate FTO's role in neurons and the modulation of its expression. We found that FTO is widely expressed in the mouse brain and increases during neuronal maturation. Through overexpression of FTO in primary neurons and various treatments, we demonstrate that neuronal activity can significantly alter FTO expression and vice versa, potentially playing a critical role in synaptic function.