The Biogenesis and Precise Control of RNA m6A Methylation

Trends Genet. 2020 Jan;36(1):44-52. doi: 10.1016/j.tig.2019.10.011. Epub 2019 Dec 4.

Abstract

N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent internal RNA modification in mRNA, and has been found to be highly conserved and hard-coded in mammals and other eukaryotic species. The importance of m6A for gene expression regulation and cell fate decisions has been well acknowledged in the past few years. However, it was only until recently that the mechanisms underlying the biogenesis and specificity of m6A modification in cells were uncovered. We review up-to-date knowledge on the biogenesis of the RNA m6A modification, including the cis-regulatory elements and trans-acting factors that determine general de novo m6A deposition and modulate cell type-specific m6A patterns, and we discuss the biological significance of such regulation.

Keywords: H3K36me3; RNA modification; biogenesis; dynamic control; epitranscriptome; m(6)A deposition.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adenosine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Adenosine / genetics*
  • Adenosine / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Cell Differentiation / genetics
  • Eukaryotic Cells
  • Gene Expression Regulation / genetics
  • Humans
  • Methylation*
  • Protein Processing, Post-Translational / genetics
  • RNA / genetics*
  • RNA / metabolism
  • RNA Processing, Post-Transcriptional / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism

Substances

  • RNA, Messenger
  • RNA
  • N-methyladenosine
  • Adenosine