ALKBH5-controlled RNA changes in HO-1 influence cell death in cobalt-related brain damage

Cobalt exposure is associated with impairments in learning and memory functions even at low concentrations.

• Cobalt can act as an epigenetic hazard, potentially leading to neurodegenerative damage.
• Ferroptosis, a form of cell death, may be induced by cobalt exposure through specific mechanisms.
• N6-methyladenosine demethylase ALKBH5 is implicated in the regulation of cobalt-induced ferroptosis.
• Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is identified as a direct target of ALKBH5, crucial for mitigating cobalt-induced effects.
• Deficiency in ALKBH5 alters the regulation of HO-1 mRNA, affecting its stability and splicing, which could increase susceptibility to ferroptosis.
• The role of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein M (hnRNPM) in HO-1 mRNA splicing may be influenced by mA modifications.

Simplified