Principles, functions, and biological implications of m⁶A in plants

Over the past decade, N ⁶-methyladenosine (m⁶A) has emerged as a prevalent and dynamically regulated modification across the transcriptome; it has been reversibly installed, removed, and interpreted by specific binding proteins, and has played crucial roles in molecular and biological processes. Within this scope, we consolidate recent advancements of m⁶A research in plants regarding gene expression regulation, diverse physiologic and pathogenic processes, as well as crop trial implications, to guide discussions on challenges associated with and leveraging epitranscriptome editing for crop improvement.