FTO Deficiency Inhibits Vascular Endothelial Cell Apoptosis and Improved Mitophagy in Obesity-Related Hypertension by Enhancing NDRG1 m6A Methylation.

Vascular endothelial dysfunction contributes to obesity-related hypertension, yet its mechanisms remain unclear. This study examined the role of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) in this process using in vivo and in vitro models. C57BL/6J mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) developed obesity-related hypertension, while oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-treated human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) simulated endothelial injury. Global m6A levels were assessed via dot blot, and m6A regulators were quantified by qPCR. Endothelial function was evaluated through viability (CCK-8), apoptosis (flow cytometry), and mitophagy (Western blot and immunofluorescence staining). Mechanistic studies included methylated RNA immunoprecipitation (MeRIP) and dual-luciferase assays. Results showed HFD reduced m6A levels but elevated Fto expression in mice, while ox-LDL decreased m6A levels and upregulated FTO in HAECs. FTO knockdown in HAECs enhanced viability and mitophagy while suppressing apoptosis under ox-LDL stress. Mechanistically, FTO silencing increased m6A methylation on NDRG1 mRNA, leading to its degradation via YTHDF2 recognition. NDRG1 overexpression reversed these effects, restoring apoptosis while reducing mitophagy and viability. These findings reveal that FTO depletion attenuates endothelial dysfunction in obesity-related hypertension by enhancing m6A-mediated suppression of NDRG1, highlighting the FTO/m6A/NDRG1/YTHDF2 axis as a therapeutic target for vascular protection.