Bioinformatics analysis identifies potential m6A hub genes in the pathogenesis of intracerebral hemorrhage

Background Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a type of stroke associated with a high rate of disability and mortality. The role of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) in ICH remains unclear. Methods Screening of m6A DEGs by differentially expressed genes (DEGs) analysis. m6A hub genes in ICH were identified by protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks. Pearson correlation tests were used to explore the relationship between m6A hub genes and DNA methylation. m6A hub genes were examined by ROC curves for their ability to predict ICH occurrence. Immune cell infiltration and m6A hub gene correlation in ICH were analysed using the CIBERSORT algorithm. Construction of ceRNA networks and enrichment analysis by GO/KEGG. Results A total of 12 m6A regulatory enzymes were differentially expressed after ICH. the PPI network screened three m6A hub genes, including YTHDF2, FTO and HNRNPA2B1. A high expression of YTHDF2 was associated with DNA hypomethylation after ICH and could better predict the development of ICH. yTHDF2 was associated with high infiltration of M1 macrophages after ICH. A ceRNA network was constructed based on the m6A central gene with target genes enriched in transcriptional regulation and the LKB1 signalling pathway. Conclusion M6A modifications are involved in the progression of ICH. YTHDF2, an m6A key gene, may regulate ICH progression by promoting infiltration of M1 macrophages or through the ceRNA network.