Lin28a forms an RNA-binding complex with Igf2bp3 to regulate m6A-modified stress response genes in stress granules of muscle stem cells.

In the early embryonic stages, Lin-28 homologue A (Lin28a) is highly expressed and declines as the embryo matures. As an RNA-binding protein, Lin28a maintains some adult muscle stem cells (MuSCs) in an embryonic-like state, but its RNA metabolism regulation mechanism remains unclear. BioGPS analysis revealed that Lin28a expression is significantly higher in muscle tissues than in other tissues. Lin28a-positive muscle stem cells (Lin28a+ MuSCs) were sorted from Lin28a-CreERT2; LSL-tdTomato mouse skeletal muscle tissue, which exhibited a higher proliferation rate than the control group. Lin28a-bound transcripts are enriched in various biological processes such as DNA repair, cell cycle, mitochondrial tricarboxylic acid cycle and oxidative stress response. The expression of insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 3 (Igf2bp3) was markedly elevated in the presence of Lin28a. Co-immunoprecipitation analysis further demonstrated that Lin28a associates with Igf2bp3. Immunofluorescence analyses confirmed that Lin28a, Igf2bp3 and G3bp1 colocalize to form stress granules (SG), and N6-methyladenosine (m⁶A) modification promotes the formation of Lin28a-SG. Sequencing of the transcriptome and RNAs immunoprecipitated by Lin28a, Igf2bp3 and m⁶A antibodies in Lin28a+ MuSCs further revealed that Lin28a and Igf2bp3 collaboratively regulate the expression of DNA repair-related genes, including Fancm and Usp1. Lin28a stabilises Igf2bp3, Usp1, and Fancm mRNAs, enhancing DNA repair against oxidative or proteotoxic stress, thus promoting MuSCs self-renewal. Understanding the intricate mechanisms through which Lin28a and Igf2bp3 regulate MuSCs provides a deeper understanding of stem cell self-renewal, with potential implications for regenerative medicine.