J Integr Plant Biol.

• Review Article •    

Reading m6A marks in mRNA: A potent mechanism of gene regulation in plants

Thi Kim Hang Nguyen and Hunseung Kang*   

  1. Department of Applied Biology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Korea
    *Correspondence: Hunseung Kang (hskang@jnu.ac.kr)
  • Received:2024-07-19 Accepted:2024-09-09 Online:2024-10-04
  • Supported by:
    This work was supported by a grant from the Mid‐Career Re-searcher Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea funded by the Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning (NRF‐2021R1A2C1004187), Republic of Korea.

Abstract: Modifications to RNA have recently been recognized as a pivotal regulator of gene expression in living organisms. More than 170 chemical modifications have been identified in RNAs, with N6-methyladenosine (m6A) being the most abundant modification in eukaryotic mRNAs. The addition and removal of m6A marks are catalyzed by methyltransferases (referred to as “writers”) and demethylases (referred to as “erasers”), respectively. In addition, the m6A marks in mRNAs are recognized and interpreted by m6A-binding proteins (referred to as “readers”), which regulate the fate of mRNAs, including stability, splicing, transport, and translation. Therefore, exploring the mechanism underlying the m6A reader-mediated modulation of RNA metabolism is essential for a much deeper understanding of the epigenetic role of RNA modification in plants. Recent discoveries have improved our understanding of the functions of m6A readers in plant growth and development, stress response, and disease resistance. This review highlights the latest developments in m6A reader research, emphasizing the diverse RNA-binding domains crucial for m6A reader function and the biological and cellular roles of m6A readers in the plant response to developmental and environmental signals. Moreover, we propose and discuss the potential future research directions and challenges in identifying novel m6A readers and elucidating the cellular and mechanistic role of m6A readers in plants.

Key words: epitranscriptomics, m6A modification, m6A reader, RNA metabolism, YTH

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