Crosstalk between epitranscriptomic and epigenetic mechanisms in gene regulation

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Epigenetics
• RNA Biology

Background:

• Gene expression is regulated by epigenetic modifications on DNA and histones.
• RNA molecules also undergo chemical modifications, impacting their stability and translation.
• N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent internal RNA modification in mammals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the crosstalk between RNA methylation and epigenetic mechanisms.
• To dissect m6A-orchestrated feedback circuits.
• To highlight m6A's role as a regulatory checkpoint.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent studies on RNA methylation and epigenetics.
• Analysis of m6A's role in regulating histone modifications.
• Examination of m6A's influence on regulatory RNAs like lncRNAs.

Main Results:

• m6A influences RNA stability and translation efficiency.
• Significant crosstalk exists between m6A and DNA/histone epigenetic modifications.
• m6A signaling specifies transcriptional outputs and chromatin modifier recruitment.

Conclusions:

• m6A acts as a versatile checkpoint coupling different gene regulation layers.
• m6A feedback circuits regulate histone modifications and regulatory RNA activity.
• This interplay ensures precise and synchronized gene expression control.