RM2Target: a comprehensive database for targets of writers, erasers and readers of RNA modifications

RNA modification is a dynamic and reversible process regulated by a series of writers, erasers and readers (WERs). Abnormal changes of WERs will disrupt the RNA modification homeostasis of their target genes, leading to the dysregulation of RNA metabolisms such as RNA stability and translation, and consequently to diseases such as cancer. A public repository hosting the regulatory relationships between WERs and their target genes will help in understanding the roles of RNA modifications in various physiological and pathological conditions. Previously, we developed a database named ‘m6A2Target’ to host targets of WERs in m6A, one of the most prevalent RNA modifications in eukaryotic cells. To host all RNA modification (RM)-related WER–target associations, we hereby present an updated database, named ‘RM2Target’ (http://rm2target.canceromics.org/). In this update, RM2Target encompasses 1 619 653 WER–target associations for nine RNA modifications in human and mouse, including m6A, m6Am, m5C, m5U, m1A, m7G, pseudouridine, 2′-O-Me and A-to-I. Extensive annotations of target genes are available in RM2Target, including but not limited to basic gene information, RNA modifications, RNA–RNA/RNA–protein interactions and related diseases. Altogether, we expect that RM2Target will facilitate further downstream functional and mechanistic studies in the field of RNA modification research.