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The Role of Dynamic m6 A RNA Methylation in Photobiology
Myles Robinson1,2, Palak Shah1, Yan-Hong Cui1
1Department of Medicine, Section of Dermatology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL.
Abstract:
N6 -methyladenosine (m6 A) is the most abundant internal RNA modification among numerous post-transcriptional modifications identified in eukaryotic mRNA. m6 A modification of RNA is catalyzed by the "writer" m6 A methyltransferase enzyme complex, consisting of METTL3, METTL14, WTAP and KIAA1429. The m6 A modification is reversible and can be removed by "eraser" m6 A demethylase enzymes, namely, FTO and ALKBH5. The biological function of m6 A modification on RNA is carried out by RNA-binding effector proteins called "readers." Varied functions of the reader proteins regulate mRNA metabolism by affecting stability, translation, splicing or nuclear export. The epitranscriptomic gene regulation by m6 A RNA methylation regulates various pathways, which contribute to basic cellular processes essential for cell maintenance, development and cell fate, and affect response to external stimuli and stressors. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in the regulation and function of m6 A RNA methylation, with a focus on UV-induced DNA damage response and the circadian clock machinery. Insights into the mechanisms of m6 A RNA regulation and post-transcriptional regulatory function in these biological processes may facilitate the development of new preventive and therapeutic strategies for various diseases related to dysregulation of UV damage response and circadian rhythm.
Insights
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation, regulated by writers, erasers, and readers, impacts cellular processes. This review focuses on m6A
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Epigenetics
- RNA Biology
Background:
- N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent internal modification in eukaryotic mRNA.
- m6A RNA modification is dynamically regulated by methyltransferases (writers), demethylases (erasers), and RNA-binding proteins (readers).
- m6A regulates fundamental cellular processes including mRNA stability, translation, splicing, and nuclear export.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in the regulation and function of m6A RNA methylation.
- To highlight the role of m6A in the UV-induced DNA damage response.
- To explore the involvement of m6A in the circadian clock machinery.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on m6A RNA methylation.
- Focus on m6A regulation in UV damage response pathways.
- Analysis of m6A's role in circadian rhythm mechanisms.
Main Results:
- m6A RNA methylation is a key epitranscriptomic regulator of cellular pathways.
- m6A plays a significant role in cellular responses to UV-induced DNA damage.
- m6A is implicated in the regulation of the circadian clock machinery.
Conclusions:
- Understanding m6A regulation in UV damage and circadian rhythms offers therapeutic potential.
- Dysregulation of m6A is linked to diseases associated with UV damage and circadian rhythm disruption.
- Further research into m6A mechanisms can inform novel therapeutic strategies.
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