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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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Natural Variation in RNA m6A Methylation and Its Relationship with Translational Status
Jin-Hong Luo1,2, Ye Wang3, Min Wang2
1State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100094, China.
Plant Physiology
|October 9, 2019
Summary
N-methyladenosine (m6A) modification in maize regulates gene translation and is linked to alternative polyadenylation. Natural variations in m6A impact gene expression, offering insights into plant RNA regulation.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Plant Science
- Genetics
Background:
- N-methyladenosine (m6A) is a prevalent mRNA modification in eukaryotes, influencing RNA metabolism.
- The global impact of m6A on translational efficiency in plants remains largely uncharacterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the global correlation between mRNA m6A distribution and translational status in maize.
- To explore the relationship between m6A modification, alternative polyadenylation, and natural variation in gene expression.
Main Methods:
- Parallel analysis of transcriptome-wide mRNA m6A distribution and polysome profiling in two maize inbred lines.
- Bioinformatic analysis to identify m6A sites, consensus motifs, and enrichment in gene regions.
Main Results:
- m6A sites are widespread across thousands of maize genes, enriched in 3' UTRs, and associated with alternative polyadenylation.
- m6A modification exhibits complex correlations with translational status, influenced by modification strength and genomic location.
- Significant intraspecies variation in m6A modification was observed, partly driven by gene expression and alternative splicing.
Conclusions:
- m6A modification plays a multifaceted role in regulating translational efficiency and alternative polyadenylation in maize.
- Natural variation in m6A contributes to the regulation of gene expression in maize.
- This study provides a valuable resource for understanding m6A-mediated gene regulation in plants.
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