The crosstalk between m6A RNA methylation and other epigenetic regulators: a novel perspective in epigenetic remodeling

Theranostics. 2021 Mar 4;11(9):4549-4566. doi: 10.7150/thno.54967. eCollection 2021.

Abstract

Epigenetic regulation involves a range of sophisticated processes which contribute to heritable alterations in gene expression without altering DNA sequence. Regulatory events predominantly include DNA methylation, chromatin remodeling, histone modifications, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), and RNA modification. As the most prevalent RNA modification in eukaryotic cells, N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation actively participates in the modulation of RNA metabolism. Notably, accumulating evidence has revealed complicated interrelations occurring between m6A and other well-known epigenetic modifications. Their crosstalk conspicuously triggers epigenetic remodeling, further yielding profound impacts on a variety of physiological and pathological processes, especially tumorigenesis. Herein, we provide an up-to-date review of this emerging hot area of biological research, summarizing the interplay between m6A RNA methylation and other epigenetic regulators, and highlighting their underlying functions in epigenetic reprogramming.

Keywords: DNA methylation; N6-methyladenosine (m6A); RNA modification; chromatin remodeling; histone modification; non-coding RNA (ncRNA).

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adenosine / genetics*
  • Animals
  • Carcinogenesis / genetics
  • DNA / genetics*
  • DNA Methylation / genetics*
  • Epigenesis, Genetic / genetics*
  • Humans
  • RNA / genetics*

Substances

  • RNA
  • DNA
  • Adenosine