m6A RNA Methylation in Plants: From Molecular Insights to Applications

Epitranscriptomics, the study of dynamic and site-specific RNA modifications, has emerged as a crucial layer of gene regulation in plants, paralleling the role of classical epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA and histone modifications. Among these, N6-methyladenosine (m6A) has been identified as a central mark involved in the control of the delicate gene expression patterns during plant development and stress responses. This review highlights recent advances in characterizing m6A distribution, identifying its regulatory components, and deciphering its molecular functions, with an emphasis on insights from Arabidopsis. We further explore its roles in developmental transitions, environmental adaptation, and epigenetic plasticity. By elucidating the multilayered functions of m6A, we underscore its application as a target for crop improvement with epitranscriptome-based yield enhancement and programmable gene editing, offering new frontiers for precision agriculture.