RNA N(6)-methyladenosine modification in female reproductive biology and pathophysiology

Gene expression and posttranscriptional regulation can be strongly influenced by epigenetic modifications. N(6)-methyladenosine, the most extensive RNA modification, has been revealed to participate in many human diseases. Recently, the role of RNA epigenetic modifications in the pathophysiological mechanism of female reproductive diseases has been intensively studied. RNA m(6)A modification is involved in oogenesis, embryonic growth, and foetal development, as well as preeclampsia, miscarriage, endometriosis and adenomyosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, premature ovarian failure, and common gynaecological tumours such as cervical cancer, endometrial cancer, and ovarian cancer. In this review, we provide a summary of the research results of m(6)A on the female reproductive biology and pathophysiology in recent years and aim to discuss future research directions and clinical applications of m(6)A-related targets. Hopefully, this review will add to our understanding of the cellular mechanisms, diagnostic biomarkers, and underlying therapeutic strategies of female reproductive system diseases. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12964-023-01078-4.