Functional Implications of Active N(6)-Methyladenosine in Plants

N(6)-methyladenosine (m(6)A) is the most common type of eukaryotic mRNA modification and has been found in many organisms, including mammals, and plants. It has important regulatory effects on RNA splicing, export, stability, and translation. The abundance of m(6)A on RNA depends on the dynamic regulation between methyltransferase (“writer”) and demethylase (“eraser”), and m(6)A binding protein (“reader”) exerts more specific regulatory function by binding m(6)A modification sites on RNA. Progress in research has revealed important functions of m(6)A modification in plants. In this review, we systematically summarize the latest advances in research on the composition and mechanism of action of the m(6)A system in plants. We emphasize the function of m(6)A modification on RNA fate, plant development, and stress resistance. Finally, we discuss the outstanding questions and opportunities exist for future research on m(6)A modification in plant.