RNA modifications have generated much interest in the virology field, as recent works have shown that many viruses harbor these marks and modify cellular marks. The most abundant mRNA modification in eukaryotic cells, N6-methyladenosine (m6A), has been examined extensively at the genome-wide scale in both cellular and viral contexts. This Gem discusses the role of m6A in gene regulation and describes recent advancements in Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) and simian virus 40 (SV40) research. We provide insights into future research related to m6A in DNA viruses.
Keywords: 3′UTR hypermethylation; 5′UTR hypomethylation; KSHV; Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus; N6,2′-O-dimethyladenosine; N6-methyladenosine; SV40; YTHDC1; YTHDF2; epitranscriptome; latency and lytic replication; m6A; m6Am; simian virus 40.
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