Regulatory Role of RNA N6-Methyladenosine Modification in Plants

Abstract

N⁶-methyladenosine (m⁶A), as the most abundant and well-studied RNA modification, can be reversibly added or removed by m⁶A methyltransferase and demethylase. The further molecular and biological function of m⁶A is achieved by the recognition of its binding protein. m⁶A functions in the diverse progress of RNA processing, including transcription regulation, splicing, nuclear export, stability, and translation, to regulate the fate of cells. Although been extensively studied in various animal cell systems, research on m⁶A's regulatory functions in plant cells lags. In recent years, with a deepening understanding of the functions of m⁶A and the development of various sequencing technologies, researches on m⁶A in plant cells have gradually increased. In this review, we focused on discussing the molecular functions of m⁶A in the nucleus and cytoplasm, aiming to elucidate the specific molecular mechanisms by which m⁶A regulates the fate of RNAs in plants. Finally, we provide some perspectives on future investigations of the detailed molecular mechanism of m⁶A-mediated regulation in plants, which might provide insights into future strategies for achieving multiple growth regulatory processes in crops.