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Updated: Jul 12, 2025

Author Spotlight: Investigating mRNA Spatial Distribution in Drosophila Muscle Tissue
Published on: September 8, 2023
Epitranscriptomics as a New Layer of Regulation of Gene Expression in Skeletal Muscle: Known Functions and Future
Carol Imbriano1, Viviana Moresi2, Silvia Belluti1
1Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy.
Abstract:
Epitranscriptomics refers to post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression via RNA modifications and editing that affect RNA functions. Many kinds of modifications of mRNA have been described, among which are N6-methyladenosine (m6A), N1-methyladenosine (m1A), 7-methylguanosine (m7G), pseudouridine (Ψ), and 5-methylcytidine (m5C). They alter mRNA structure and consequently stability, localization and translation efficiency. Perturbation of the epitranscriptome is associated with human diseases, thus opening the opportunity for potential manipulations as a therapeutic approach. In this review, we aim to provide an overview of the functional roles of epitranscriptomic marks in the skeletal muscle system, in particular in embryonic myogenesis, muscle cell differentiation and muscle homeostasis processes. Further, we explored high-throughput epitranscriptome sequencing data to identify RNA chemical modifications in muscle-specific genes and we discuss the possible functional role and the potential therapeutic applications.
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