Novel insights into the roles of RNA N6-methyladenosine modification in regulating gene expression during environmental exposures.

Novel insights into the roles of RNA N6-methyladenosine modification in regulating gene expression during environmental exposures. Chemosphere. 2020 Dec;261:127757 Authors: Li D, Zhu X, Li Y, Zeng X Abstract N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is one of the most common RNA modifications in eukaryotes involved in the regulation of post-transcriptional gene expression, as well as the occurrence and development of diseases related to environmental exposures. Adverse factors produced by environmental exposures, such as reactive oxygen species, inflammation, and cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers, mediate m6A modification, thereby regulating downstream gene and protein expression, and signaling pathways, such as FTO/m6A RNA/p53 axis, PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, and PARP/METTL3/m6A RNA/Pol κ pathway. Moreover, an imbalance in m6A methylation levels directly mediates disease pathogenesis. To date, some studies have detailed the mechanisms underlying environmental exposure-mediated global changes in RNA m6A methylation. Based on our current understanding, we aimed to elaborate on the molecular mechanisms through which RNA m6A methylation regulates gene expression under environmental exposures. In this review, we outline the biogenesis and functions of RNA m6A modification. Furthermore, we focus on the effects of environmental exposures on m6A levels and highlight the relationships between environmental exposures (doses and time) and m6A levels. Although the mol...
Source: Chemosphere - Category: Chemistry Authors: Tags: Chemosphere Source Type: research