Progress on N⁴-acetylcytidine in animal reproductive development

Area of Science:

• Epitranscriptomics
• Molecular Biology
• Developmental Biology

Background:

• N4-acetylcytidine (ac4C) is an emerging RNA epigenetic modification found across various RNA types (tRNA, rRNA, mRNA, ncRNA).
• ac4C plays a critical role in cellular function by regulating RNA stability and translational efficiency, thereby modulating gene expression networks.
• Understanding ac4C is crucial for advancing the field of epitranscriptomics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize recent advancements in the distribution patterns, biological functions, and regulatory mechanisms of ac4C.
• To highlight the writer enzymes, detection methodologies, and the specific involvement of ac4C in animal reproductive development.
• To provide a theoretical foundation for future research on ac4C modification in human and animal reproduction.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent studies on ac4C modification.
• Synthesis of information on ac4C distribution, function, and regulation.
• Focus on ac4C's role in animal reproductive development.

Main Results:

• ac4C is widely distributed in various RNA molecules and significantly impacts gene expression.
• Specific writer enzymes and detection methods for ac4C have been identified.
• ac4C is implicated in critical processes of animal reproductive development.

Conclusions:

• ac4C is a vital RNA modification with significant roles in cellular processes and development.
• Further research into ac4C mechanisms, particularly in reproduction, is warranted.
• This review provides a comprehensive overview to guide future investigations in the field.