Regulation of RNA N6-methyladenosine modification and its emerging roles in skeletal muscle development

N-6-methyladenosine (m(6)A) is one of the most widespread and highly conserved chemical modifications in cellular RNAs of eukaryotic genomes. Owing to the development of high-throughput m(6)A sequencing, the functions and mechanisms of m(6)A modification in development and diseases have been revealed. Recent studies have shown that RNA m(6)A methylation plays a critical role in skeletal muscle development, which regulates myoblast proliferation and differentiation, and muscle regeneration. Exploration of the functions of m(6)A modification and its regulators provides a deeper understanding of the regulatory mechanisms underlying skeletal muscle development. In the present review, we aim to summarize recent breakthroughs concerning the global landscape of m(6)A modification in mammals and examine the biological functions and mechanisms of enzymes regulating m(6)A RNA methylation. We describe the interplay between m(6)A and other epigenetic modifications and highlight the regulatory roles of m(6)A in development, especially that of skeletal muscle. m(6)A and its regulators are expected to be targets for the treatment of human muscle-related diseases and novel epigenetic markers for animal breeding in meat production.

Automated summary

N-6-methyladenosine (m(6)A) modification is a widely conserved chemical modification in cellular RNAs that plays a critical role in skeletal muscle development. Exploration of the functions and mechanisms of m(6)A modification and its regulators provides a deeper understanding of the regulatory mechanisms underlying skeletal muscle development.