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A Method for Measuring RNA N6-methyladenosine Modifications in Cells and Tissues
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A Method for Measuring RNA N6-methyladenosine Modifications in Cells and Tissues

Published on: December 5, 2016

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N6-methyladenosine modification in mRNA: machinery, function and implications for health and diseases

Arpita Maity1, Biswadip Das1

  • 1Department of Life Science and Biotechnology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, India.

The FEBS Journal
|December 10, 2015
PubMed

Insights

N6-methyladenosine (m(6)A) is a crucial mRNA modification affecting gene expression. This reversible process, involving m(6)A writers and erasers, regulates RNA fate and protein production.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Epigenetics
  • RNA Biology

Background:

  • N6-methyladenosine (m(6)A) is the most abundant internal modification in eukaryotic messenger RNA (mRNA) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs).
  • m(6)A modification plays a critical role in regulating RNA splicing, export, localization, translation, and stability.
  • The dynamic and reversible nature of m(6)A methylation is essential for cellular function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the regulatory mechanisms and functional significance of m(6)A modification in eukaryotes.
  • To highlight the role of m(6)A 'writers' and 'erasers' in shaping the epitranscriptome.
  • To understand how m(6)A 'readers' decode the 'methyl code' to influence gene expression.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of m(6)A modification dynamics in various cellular processes.
  • Investigating the enzymatic activities of m(6)A methyltransferases and demethylases.
  • Studying the function of m(6)A reader proteins in post-transcriptional regulation.

Main Results:

  • m(6)A modification is widespread across eukaryotic mRNAs and lncRNAs, influencing multiple aspects of RNA metabolism.
  • Reversible methylation by m(6)A writers and erasers establishes a dynamic epitranscriptome.
  • m(6)A reader proteins interpret the methyl mark, controlling RNA fate and translation efficiency.

Conclusions:

  • Reversible mRNA methylation represents a significant layer of post-transcriptional gene regulation in eukaryotes.
  • The m(6)A regulatory network is vital for cellular differentiation, immune response, and neuronal signaling.
  • Understanding m(6)A dynamics offers insights into fine-tuning proteome output for adaptive cellular functions.
Keywords:
epitranscriptomicsm6A effectorm6A methylationm6A readerm6A writermRNA modification

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