m6A Modification and Implications for microRNAs

Abstract

Objective: RNA is chemically modified with over 100 distinct reactions. Among these reactions, methylation is probably the most extensively studied modification on the RNA molecule. Studies suggest methylation of Adenine residues (m6A) to be widespread in the transcriptome with potentially important roles in biological processes.

Method: Here, we review recent literature on m6A modification and potential implications for microRNA (miRNA) mediated gene expression regulation. These implications involve miRNA biogenesis, mRNA-miRNA interactions and m6A target selection.

Conclusion: Understanding the extent and functions of m6A is likely to improve our understanding of the complexities of the transcriptome regulation in normal and in disease states.

Keywords: 3'UTR; RNA methylation; m6A; mRNA; microRNA; transcriptome.