The Role of mRNA m6A in Regulation of Gene Expression

Abstract

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent internal methylation in messenger RNA (mRNA). This biochemically reversible modification is deposited by m6A methyltransferases, removed by m6A demethylases and recognized by different RNA-binding proteins. Depending on the localization of m6A and its reader proteins, an array of cellular processes ranging from RNA maturation and export in nucleus, to degradation and translation in cytoplasm, can be affected and consequently lead to diverse cell fates. The essential role of m6A in normal tissue development as well as tumor progression has been revealed in the past few years, emphasizing an additional layer of gene expression regulation.