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m6A RNA Methylation in Insect Biology: A Bibliometric Analysis with a Focus on METTL3
Jiayang Zhang1, Xinyue Huang1, Xiaolei Wu1
1School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
Insects
|July 27, 2026
Summary
Insect RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) research is expanding rapidly. Studies focus on development and immunity, but mechanistic roles of METTL3 require more investigation for pest management.
Area of Science:
- Entomology
- Molecular Biology
- Genomics
Background:
- RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification regulates biological processes.
- Insect epitranscriptomics is a growing field with limited systematic trend analysis.
- METTL3 is a key enzyme in m6A modification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To map global research trends and hotspots in insect METTL3 and m6A research over the past decade.
- To identify dominant model systems and research themes.
- To highlight future research directions.
Main Methods:
- Bibliometric analysis of publications from the last decade.
- Keyword co-occurrence analysis to identify research themes and model systems.
Main Results:
- A significant increase in publications indicates rapid field expansion.
- METTL3 research is less prevalent than general m6A research, suggesting a focus on phenotypic rather than mechanistic roles.
- Key model systems include Bombyx mori, Locusta migratoria, and Drosophila melanogaster.
- Research hotspots include METTL3's role in development, behavioral plasticity, immunity, and host-pathogen interactions.
Conclusions:
- Insect METTL3 is a significant emerging research area.
- Future research should focus on cross-species comparisons and dissecting regulatory networks.
- This research can inform sustainable pest management and insect resource utilization.
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