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Updated: Jan 22, 2026
A Method for Measuring RNA N6-methyladenosine Modifications in Cells and Tissues
Published on: December 5, 2016
Interplay Between N 6-Methyladenosine (m6A) and Non-coding RNAs in Cell Development and Cancer
Francesco Fazi1, Alessandro Fatica2
1Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, Section of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy.
Abstract:
RNA chemical modifications in coding and non-coding RNAs have been known for decades. They are generally installed by specific enzymes and, in some cases, can be read and erased by other specific proteins. The impact of RNA chemical modifications on gene expression regulation and the reversible nature of some of these modifications led to the birth of the word epitranscriptomics, in analogy with the changes that occur on DNA and histones. Among more than 100 different modifications identified so far, most of the epitranscriptomics studies focused on the N 6-methyladenosine (m6A), which is the more abundant internal modification in protein coding RNAs. m6A can control several pathways of gene expression, including spicing, export, stability, and translation. In this review, we describe the interplay between m6A and non-coding RNAs, in particular microRNAs and lncRNAs, with examples of its role in gene expression regulation. Finally, we discuss its relevance in cell development and disease.
Insights
Epitranscriptomics studies the reversible chemical modifications of RNA, focusing on N6-methyladenosine (m6A). This review explores m6A
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- RNA chemical modifications are crucial for gene expression regulation.
- Epitranscriptomics studies these reversible modifications, analogous to epigenetics.
- N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant internal RNA modification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the interplay between m6A and non-coding RNAs.
- To highlight m6A's role in gene expression regulation via non-coding RNAs.
- To discuss the significance of m6A in cell development and disease.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of epitranscriptomics research.
- Focus on studies investigating m6A modifications.
- Analysis of m6A's interaction with microRNAs and lncRNAs.
Main Results:
- m6A influences multiple gene expression pathways, including splicing, export, stability, and translation.
- m6A plays a significant role in the regulatory functions of non-coding RNAs.
- Examples illustrate m6A's impact on gene expression through microRNAs and lncRNAs.
Conclusions:
- m6A is a key regulator of gene expression, particularly through its interaction with non-coding RNAs.
- Understanding m6A's role is vital for comprehending cell development and disease pathogenesis.
- Further research into m6A and non-coding RNAs holds therapeutic potential.
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