ALKBH5-Mediated m6A Demethylation Fuels Cutaneous Wound Re-Epithelialization by Enhancing PELI2 mRNA Stability

This study reveals that ALKBH5-mediated m6A demethylation plays a crucial role in cutaneous wound re-epithelialization by stabilizing PELI2 mRNA, which is essential for keratinocyte migration. The research, involving 10 human chronic wound samples and Alkbh5‒/‒ mice, shows that ALKBH5 is upregulated at wound edges and necessary for effective wound healing. PELI2 was identified as a key downstream target, with its expression critical for cell migration. The study highlights a novel epigenetic mechanism where ALKBH5 prevents PELI2 mRNA degradation by YTHDF2, suggesting that targeting m6A modifications could be a therapeutic strategy for enhancing wound healing.