Detection of N(6)-methyladenosine modification residues (Review)

Among a number of mRNA modifications, N(6)-methyladenosine (m(6)A) modification is the most common type in eukaryotes and nuclear-replicating viruses. m(6)A has a significant role in numerous cancer types, including leukemia, brain tumors, liver cancer, breast cancer and lung cancer. Although m(6)A methyltransferases are essential during RNA modifications, the biological functions of m(6)A and the underlying mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated, predominantly due to the limited detection methods for m(6)A. In the present review, the currently available m(6)A detection methods and the respective scope of their applications are presented to facilitate the further investigation of the roles of m(6)A in biological process.