Research progress on N6-methyladenosine in the human placenta.

Area of Science:

• Epigenetics
• Molecular Biology
• Reproductive Medicine

Background:

• N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is a prevalent epigenetic modification in eukaryotic RNA.
• m6A influences RNA processes including translation, stability, and degradation.
• It is regulated by a set of reversible enzymes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of m6A in placenta-related diseases.
• To summarize current research on m6A modification in placental tissues.
• To explore m6A's involvement in conditions like recurrent miscarriage, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes mellitus.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies from 2018-2021.
• Searched PubMed and Google Scholar using keywords: placenta AND N6-methyladenosine.
• Included seven relevant studies in the analysis.

Main Results:

• Introduced conventional methods for detecting m6A modification at various levels (whole RNA, region, single base).
• Summarized existing studies on m6A in the placenta.
• Briefly described m6A's association with recurrent miscarriage (RM), preeclampsia (PE), and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Conclusions:

• Research on m6A modification in placental diseases is in its early stages.
• Some findings are currently inconsistent, requiring further investigation.
• m6A studies offer novel insights for reproductive disease research, aiding diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring.