The Biogenesis and Precise Control of RNA m6A Methylation

N (6)-Methyladenosine (m(6)A) is the most prevalent internal RNA modification in mRNA, and has been found to be highly conserved and hard-coded in mammals and other eukaryotic species The importance of m(6)A for gene expression regulation and cell fate decisions has been well acknowledged in the past few years. However, it was only until recently that the mechanism underlying the biogenesis and specificity of m(6)A modification in cells were uncovered. We review up-to-date knowledge on the biogenesis of the RNA m(6)A modification, including the cis-regulatory elements and trans-acting factors that determine general de novo m(6)A depositior and modulate cell type-specific m(6)A patterns, and we discuss the biological significance of such regulation.