RNA N6-methyladenosine modification in arthritis: New insights into pathogenesis.

Abstract

The commonest type of eukaryotic RNA modification, N6-methyladenosine (m6A), has drawn increased scrutiny in the context of pathological functioning as well as relevance in determination of RNA stability, splicing, transportation, localization, and translation efficiency. The m6A modification plays an important role in several types of arthritis, especially osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Recent studies have reported that m6A modification regulates arthritis pathology in cells, such as chondrocytes and synoviocytes via immune responses and inflammatory responses through functional proteins classified as writers, erasers, and readers. The aim of this review was to highlight recent advances relevant to m6A modification in the context of arthritis pathogenesis and detail underlying molecular mechanisms, regulatory functions, clinical applications, and future perspectives of m6A in arthritis with the aim of providing a foundation for future research directions.