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N6-methyladenosine RNA methylation modulates liquid‒liquid phase separation in plants
Hunseung Kang1,2, Tao Xu1
1Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Phylogenomics and Comparative Genomics, Jiangsu Joint International Center of Genomics, School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou 221116, Jiangsu Province, China.
The Plant Cell
|April 9, 2023
Summary
Membraneless biomolecular condensates, formed via liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), are vital for plant cell functions. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) mRNA modification is increasingly recognized as crucial for LLPS in plants.
Area of Science:
- Plant Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Membraneless biomolecular condensates are essential for cellular organization and function.
- Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) drives the formation of these condensates, impacting plant processes like embryogenesis and stress response.
- Proteins with intrinsically disordered regions and RNA are key components of these condensates.
Approach:
- This review synthesizes recent research on the role of RNA modifications in LLPS within plant cells.
- Focuses on the significance of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification of messenger RNA (mRNA) in plant LLPS.
- Highlights the interplay between m6A marks and RNA-binding proteins.
Key Points:
- N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification of mRNA is a critical regulator of LLPS in both plant and animal cells.
- m6A modification influences the assembly and dynamics of biomolecular condensates.
- Understanding how m6A marks are recognized by RNA-binding proteins is crucial for elucidating LLPS mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- mRNA methylation, particularly m6A, plays a pivotal role in regulating membraneless biomolecular condensates in plants.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms by which RNA modifications, like m6A, control LLPS.
- Elucidating the function of m6A-binding proteins will provide deeper insights into plant cellular organization and function.
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