m6A RNA modifications: Key regulators of normal and malignant hematopoiesis

Abstract

Post-transcriptional RNA modifications determine RNA fate by influencing numerous processes such as translation, decay and localization. One of the most abundant RNA modifications is N⁶-methyladenoside (m⁶A), which has been shown to be important in healthy as well as malignant hematopoiesis. Several proteins representing key players in m⁶A RNA biology, such as m⁶A writers, erasers and readers, were recently reported to be essential for hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) function. In leukemia, expression of m⁶A regulators has been shown to be increased, opening up potential opportunities for therapeutic exploitation by targeting them in blood malignancies. These recent discoveries were the focus of the Fall 2021 International Society for Experimental Hematology New Investigators webinar. We review here the latest findings in the field of mRNA modifications in normal and malignant hematopoiesis and how this might open up novel therapeutic options.