The effects of N6-methyladenosine RNA methylation on the nervous system

Mol Cell Biochem. 2023 Dec;478(12):2657-2669. doi: 10.1007/s11010-023-04691-6. Epub 2023 Mar 10.

Abstract

Epitranscriptomics, also known as "RNA epigenetics", is a type of chemical modification that regulates RNA. RNA methylation is a significant discovery after DNA and histone methylation. The dynamic reversible process of m6A involves methyltransferases (writers), m6A binding proteins (readers), as well as demethylases (erasers). We summarized the current research status of m6A RNA methylation in the neural stem cells' growth, synaptic and axonal function, brain development, learning and memory, neurodegenerative diseases, and glioblastoma. This review aims to provide a theoretical basis for studying the mechanism of m6A methylation and finding its potential therapeutic targets in nervous system diseases.

Keywords: Modification enzyme; Nervous system; RNA epigenetics; m6A methylation.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Methylation
  • Methyltransferases* / metabolism
  • Nervous System / metabolism
  • RNA* / metabolism

Substances

  • N-methyladenosine
  • RNA
  • Methyltransferases