Recent developments of small molecules targeting RNA m6A modulators

Abstract

N⁶-methyladenosine (m⁶A) is the most abundant internal post-transcriptional modification in eukaryotic mRNA. The development of emerging technologies such as m⁶A-seq, has helped reveal the fundamental role of m⁶A-RNA in regulation of the mammalian transcriptome. With the identification and advances in the understanding of m⁶A modulators, the relationship between m⁶A and human diseases is gradually being revealed. This review summarizes recent progress in the understanding of the role of m⁶A modulators in human disease and their structural characteristics. We highlight the potential of small-molecule regulators targeting m⁶A associated proteins as tool molecules and disease treatment options from the medicinal chemistry perspective.

Keywords: Epigenetics; N(6)-methyladenosine; Small-molecule regulators.