Exploring N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification in tree species: opportunities and challenges

Abstract

Abstract N6-methyladenosine (m6A) in eukaryotes is the most common and widespread internal modification in mRNA. The modification regulates mRNA stability, translation efficiency, and splicing, thereby fine-tuning gene regulation. In plants, m6A is dynamic and critical for various growth stages, embryonic development, morphogenesis, flowering, stress response, crop yield, and biomass. Although recent high-throughput sequencing approaches have enabled the rapid identification of m6A modification sites, the site-specific mechanism of this modification remains unclear in trees. In this review, we discuss the functional significance of m6A in trees under different stress conditions and discuss recent advancements in the quantification of m 6A. Quantitative and functional insights into the dynamic aspect of m 6A modification could assist researchers in engineering trees crop for better productivity and resistance to various stress conditions.