m(1)A RNA Modification in Gene Expression Regulation

N(1)-methyladenosine (m(1)A) is a prevalent and reversible post-transcriptional RNA modification that decorates tRNA, rRNA and mRNA. Recent studies based on technical advances in analytical chemistry and high-throughput sequencing methods have revealed the crucial roles of m(1)A RNA modification in gene regulation and biological processes. In this review, we focus on progress in the study of m(1)A methyltransferases, m(1)A demethylases and m(1)A-dependent RNA-binding proteins and highlight the biological mechanisms and functions of m(1)A RNA modification, as well as its association with human disease. We also summarize the current understanding of detection approaches for m(1)A RNA modification.