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The Potential Role of m6A RNA Methylation in the Aging Process and Aging-Associated Diseases

Jin Sun1,2, Bokai Cheng1,2, Yongkang Su1,2

  • 1Department of Geriatrics, The Second Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.

Frontiers in Genetics
|May 6, 2022
PubMed

Insights

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation is vital in aging and age-related diseases. Targeting m6A pathways offers potential for novel anti-aging therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Epigenetics
  • Gerontology

Background:

  • N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent internal mRNA modification in eukaryotes.
  • m6A is dynamically regulated by methylases and demethylases, influencing gene expression via m6A-binding proteins.
  • Aberrant m6A levels and regulators are implicated in aging and age-related pathologies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of m6A modification in the aging process.
  • To explore the molecular mechanisms of m6A in age-related disease progression.
  • To highlight m6A as a potential therapeutic target for anti-aging strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on m6A in aging and age-related diseases.
  • Focus on biological functions and molecular mechanisms.
  • Synthesis of findings related to cell senescence, autophagy, inflammation, oxidative stress, DNA damage, tumors, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.

Main Results:

  • m6A modification plays a critical role in regulating key aging hallmarks.
  • Altered m6A patterns are associated with the pathogenesis of diverse age-related conditions.
  • Specific m6A regulators and their mechanisms are increasingly understood in the context of aging.

Conclusions:

  • m6A RNA methylation is a significant factor in aging and the development of age-related diseases.
  • Understanding m6A's role provides insights into disease mechanisms.
  • m6A modification presents a promising target for future anti-aging interventions.
Keywords:
N6-methyladenosineRNA methylationagingaging-related diseaseepigenetics

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