RNA epigenetic modification: N6-methyladenosine.

Abstract

N(6)-methyladenosine (m(6)A) is one of the most prevalent internal modifications in eukaryotic messenger RNA. The dynamic and reversible modification is installed by methyltransferase complex charactered three subunits: METTL3 (Methyltransferase-like protein 3), METTL14 (Methyltransferase-like protein 14) and WTAP (Wilms tumor 1-associating protein), and erased by two independent demethylases, FTO (Fat mass and obesity associated protein) and ALKBH5 (AlkB homolog 5), in an α-ketoglutarate (α-KG)- and Fe(II)-dependent manner. m(6)A plays funtions in controlling RNA metabolism through the recognition by m(6)A reader proteins, the YTH domain family proteins and HNRNPA2B1 (Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins A2B1) . In this review, we summarized distributive features and vital roles of m(6)A and its associated proteins in RNA metabolisms and biological significance, which will help us better understand this new exciting emerging epitranscriptome research field.