N6metüüladenosiini

N6-methyladenosine, often abbreviated as m6A, is the most abundant and prevalent internal modification of eukaryotic messenger RNA (mRNA). It is a type of RNA modification that occurs when a methyl group is added to the nitrogen atom at the sixth position of adenosine. This modification plays a crucial role in gene regulation and various cellular processes.

The m6A modification is dynamically installed and removed by specific protein complexes. Writers, such as the methyltransferase-like proteins (METTL3, METTL14, and WTAP), are responsible for adding the methyl group. Erasers, including FTO and ALKBH5, are enzymes that remove the m6A mark. Readers, such as YTH domain-containing proteins (YTHDF1, YTHDF2, YTHDF3, YTHDC1, and YTHDC2), recognize and bind to m6A-modified RNAs, thereby mediating the downstream effects of the modification.

m6A modification influences a wide array of RNA fates and functions. It can affect mRNA splicing, stability, nuclear export, and translation efficiency. By modulating these processes, m6A contributes to diverse biological phenomena, including embryonic development, stem cell differentiation, immune responses, and tumorigenesis. Aberrant m6A patterns have been linked to various diseases, making m6A a significant area of research in molecular biology and medicine. The study of m6A is continuously expanding, revealing new regulatory mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets.