RNA m6A modification orchestrates the rhythm of immune cell development from hematopoietic stem cells to T and B cells

Abstract

RNA, one of the major building blocks of the cell, participates in many essential life processes. RNA stability is well-established to be closely related to various RNA modifications. To date, hundreds of different RNA modifications have been identified. N6-methyladenosine (m⁶A) is one of the most important RNA modifications in mammalian cells. An increasing body of evidence from recently published studies suggests that m⁶A modification is a novel immune system regulator of the generation and differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and immune cells. In this review, we introduce the process and relevant regulatory mechanisms of m⁶A modification; summarize recent findings of m⁶A in controlling HSC generation and self-renewal, and the development and differentiation of T and B lymphocytes from HSCs; and discuss the potential mechanisms involved.

Keywords: B cell; N6-methyladenosine; RNA; T cell; hematopoietic stem cell.