m6A methylation - a new target of metabolic diseases induced by environmental pollutants

Exposure to environmental pollutants is closely associated with the development of obesity and related metabolic diseases. As the most prevalent form of eukaryotic chemical modification, N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation regulated by series enzymes plays an important role in the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases such as obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), atherosclerosis (AS), and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Therefore, investigating the specific mechanisms of m6A methylation in obesity and related metabolic diseases and its relationship with environmental pollutants is vital for developing treatment and prevention strategies. This article summarizes the latest research on m6A methylation in glucose and lipid metabolism-related diseases and elucidates the specific molecular mechanisms of metabolic disorders regulated by m6A methylation-related enzymes. More importantly, we highlight that m6A methylation process is a target for environmental pollutants in inducing human metabolic diseases. Our review aims to provide new insights into understanding the underlying mechanisms of environmental pollutant-induced metabolic diseases and to explore preventive and therapeutic measures.