m⁶A in RNA: a key regulator of brain development, function and disease

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• Epitranscriptomic modifications, particularly N-methyladenosine (m6A), are crucial for gene expression regulation in the brain.
• m6A modifies thousands of RNAs, influencing RNA-protein interactions and gene expression dynamics.
• Dysregulation of m6A is implicated in various neurological disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive synthesis of m6A deposition, interpretation, and regulation in neural cells.
• To present a unified framework for m6A function in the nervous system.
• To discuss the role of m6A in neurological diseases.

Main Methods:

• This review synthesizes existing literature on m6A epitranscriptomics in the brain.
• It integrates recent advances in understanding m6A regulatory mechanisms.
• The review discusses m6A's impact on RNA stability, translation, localization, and chromatin-associated processes.

Main Results:

• m6A acts as a key regulator of RNA stability, translation, and localization in neural cells.
• It plays critical roles in neurodevelopment, synaptic plasticity, and adaptive responses.
• Disruption of m6A pathways contributes to neurological disease pathogenesis.

Conclusions:

• m6A is a fundamental epitranscriptomic regulator in the brain, impacting diverse cellular processes.
• Understanding m6A dynamics is crucial for deciphering brain function and neurological disorders.
• Further research into m6A pathways offers therapeutic potential for brain diseases.