Chromatin and transcriptional regulation by reversible RNA methylation

Dynamic RNA modifications have been a burgeoning area in the last decade since the concept of 'RNA epigenetics' was proposed [1]. N⁶-methyladenosine (m⁶A) is the most abundant mRNA modification in eukaryotic cells. It can be installed by 'writers', removed by 'erasers,' recognized by 'readers,' and dynamically regulate the fate of methylated RNA. Until recently, the roles of reversible RNA methylation in chromatin and transcriptional regulation were not adequately studied. We discuss the new discoveries and insights into the chromatin and transcriptional regulation by m⁶A through two pathways: 1) effects of m⁶A on mRNAs encoding histone modifiers and transcriptional factors; 2) m⁶A regulation of chromatin-associated regulatory RNAs. Additionally, we provide an outlook on how the transcriptional regulation by RNA m⁶A could add an additional critical layer to transcriptional regulation.