A fly view on the roles and mechanisms of the m6A mRNA modification and its players

RNA modifications are an emerging layer of posttranscriptional gene regulation in eukaryotes. N-6-methyladenosine (m(6)A) is among the most abundant modifications in mRNAs (mRNAs) that was shown to influence many physiological processes from yeast to mammals. Like DNA methylation, m(6)A in mRNA is dynamically regulated. A conserved methyltransferase complex catalyzes the deposition of the methyl group on adenosine, which can be removed by specific classes of demethylases. Furthermore, YTH-domain containing proteins can recognize this modification to mediate m(6)A-dependent activities. Here we review the functions and mechanisms of the main m(6)A players with a particular focus on Drosophila melanogaster.