The m6A reader ECT8 is an abiotic stress sensor that accelerates mRNA decay in Arabidopsis

Epigenetics in the modern era of crop improvements

Epigenetic mechanisms are integral to plant growth, development, and adaptation to environmental stimuli. Over the past two decades, our comprehension of these complex regulatory processes has expanded remarkably, producing a substantial body of knowledge on both locus-specific mechanisms and genome-wide regulatory patterns. Studies initially grounded in the model plant Arabidopsis have been broadened to encompass a diverse array of crop species, revealing the multifaceted roles of epigenetics in physiological and agronomic traits. With recent technological advancements, epigenetic regulations at the single-cell level and at the large-scale population level are emerging as new focuses. This review offers an in-depth synthesis of the diverse epigenetic regulations, detailing the catalytic machinery and regulatory functions. It delves into the intricate interplay among various epigenetic elements and their collective influence on the modulation of crop traits. Furthermore, it examines recent breakthroughs in technologies for epigenetic modifications and their integration into strategies for crop improvement. The review underscores the transformative potential of epigenetic strategies in bolstering crop performance, advocating for the development of efficient tools to fully exploit the agricultural benefits of epigenetic insights.

Identification and expression analysis of N6-methyltransferase and demethylase in rapeseed (Brassica napus L.)

BACKGROUND

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification involves the addition of a methyl group to the nitrogen atom at position six of adenine in RNA. It is the most prevalent type of dynamic internal RNA methylation modification, plays an important role in plant development and abiotic stress. The m6A modification is facilitated by m6A writers (m6A methyltransferases), m6A erasers (m6A demethylation enzymes), and m6A readers (m6A methylated reading proteins).

RESULTS

In order to study the characterization and expression of m6A methyltransferases and demethylases in Brassica napus (rapeseed), we used five methyltransferases and two demethylases from Arabidopsis thaliana as reference sequences. A total of 34 methyltransferases and 12 demethylases were identified in B. napus, B. oleracea, and B. rapa. We analyzed the physicochemical properties, gene structures, conserved domains, chromosome localization, and expression pattern across all tissues, as well as the effects of hormone and stress treatments on B. napus. Our findings revealed that the methyltransferase BnaHAKAI was highly expressed during the late stages of seed development. It may be related to the synthesis of oil content and seed size in the later stage of seed growth. In contrast, the demethylase BnaALKBH10B exhibited high expression primarily in the petals, followed by the pods, buds. This expression pattern may be associated with flower development and the timing of flowering. Furthermore, BnaALKBH10B primarily responded to abiotic stresses such as salinity, drought, osmotic, cold, and freezing, as well as to hormones like jasmonic acid and gibberellins. The qRT-PCR results showed that BnaALKBH10B responded to freezing and salt stress.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, a total of 34 methyltransferases and 12 demethylases genes were identified in B. napus, B. oleracea, and B. rapa, and their phylogenetic relationships, structural domains, and expression patterns in tissues and under abiotic stress were comprehensively analyzed. This research will serve as a foundation for future studies on m6A in B. napus.

Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of the YTH Domain-Containing Protein Gene Family in Salvia miltiorrhiza

YTH domain-containing proteins act as the primary readers of N6-methyladenosine (m6A), playing an important role in plant development and stress responses. However, little is known about the YTH proteins in medicinal plants. Genome-wide identification of the YTH gene family in the medicinal model plant, Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, identified a total of nineteen SmYTH genes from five chromosomes, with SmYTH8-SmYTH19 clustered on chromosome 8. Phylogenetic analysis showed that SmYTH proteins belong to the YTHDF category. No YTHDC members were identified. Conserved domain identification, amino acid sequence alignment, and phase separation prediction revealed that SmYTH1-SmYTH4 exhibited the characteristic m6A reader protein feature, containing conserved aromatic cages (WWW) capable of binding m6A residues. SmYTH5-SmYTH19 proteins contain a unique conserved F-box protein interaction domain that has not been reported previously. qRT-PCR analysis revealed tissue-specific patterns, with SmYTH1-SmYTH4 genes highly expressed in roots and leaves, whereas SmYTH8-SmYTH19 were mainly expressed in leaves. The results were consistent with RNA-seq data. The expression of various SmYTHs and the content of phenolic acid active ingredients were significantly altered under MeJA and SA treatments. The results provide useful information for further studies on the biological functions of m6A and YTH proteins in S. miltiorrhiza.

The Regulatory Roles of RNA-Binding Proteins in Plant Salt Stress Response

Salt stress is one of the most prominent abiotic stresses. Behind the intricate adaptive responses of plants to salt stress, the regulation of gene expression assumes a pivotal role. Complementing transcriptional mechanisms, post-transcriptional regulation performed by RNA-binding proteins provides an additional layer of control through sophisticated molecular machinery. RBPs interact with both RNA molecules and protein partners to coordinate RNA metabolism and, thus, fine-tune the expression of salt-responsive genes, enabling plants to rapidly adapt to ionic challenges. This review systematically evaluates the functional roles of RBPs localized in distinct subcellular compartments, including nuclear, cytoplasmic, chloroplastic, and mitochondrial systems, in mediating post-transcriptional regulatory networks under salinity challenges. Specific classes of RBPs are discussed in detail, including glycine-rich RNA-binding proteins (GR-RBPs), serine/arginine-rich splicing factors (SR proteins), zinc finger domain-containing proteins, DEAD-box RNA helicases (DBRHs), KH domain-containing proteins, Pumilio domain-containing proteins (PUMs), pentatricopeptide repeat proteins (PPRs), and RBPs involved in cytoplasmic RNA granule formation. By integrating their subcellular localization and current mechanistic insights, this review concludes by summarizing the current knowledge and highlighting potential future research directions, aiming to inspire further investigations into the complex network of RBPs in modulating plant responses to salt stress and facilitating the development of strategies to enhance plant salt tolerance.

A review of m6A modification in plant development and potential quality improvement

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) represents the most prevalent internal modification observed in eukaryotic mRNAs. As a pivotal regulator of gene expression, m6A exerts influence over a number of processes, including splicing, transport, translation, degradation, and the stability of mRNAs. It thus plays a crucial role in plant development and resistance to biotic and abiotic stressors. The writers, erasers, and readers of m6A, which deposit, eliminate and decode this modification, are also of critical importance and have been identified and characterized in multiple plant species. The advent of next-generation sequencing (NGS) and m6A detection technologies has precipitated a surge in research on m6A in recent years. Extensive research has elucidated the specific roles of m6A in plants and its underlying molecular mechanisms, indicating significant potential for crop improvement. This review presents a comprehensive overview of recent studies on m6A and its regulatory proteins in plant development and stress tolerance. It highlights the potential applications of this modification and its writers, erasers, and readers for plant improvement, with a particular focus on leaf development, floral transition, trichome morphogenesis, fruit ripening, and resilience to pests, diseases and abiotic stresses.

The N6-methyladenosine reader ECT1 regulates seed germination via gibberellic acid- and phytochrome B-mediated signaling

Seed germination, a pivotal stage in plant growth, is governed by phytohormones such as gibberellic acid (GA) and influenced by phytochromes, which are key photoreceptors in plants. The N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification is fundamental to plant growth and development. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of PHYTOCHROME B (phyB) and the function of m6A signaling in GA-mediated seed germination remain elusive. Here, we discovered EVOLUTIONARILY CONSERVED C-TERMINAL REGION 1 (ECT1) as an m6A reader protein that directly binds to m6A and forms homodimers to enhance its stability in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). We observed that the ect1-1 mutant exhibits attenuated GA3 responsiveness in seed germination. Restoration of ECT1 function in ect1-1 confirmed the role of ECT1 in promoting seed germination. Our findings indicate that ECT1 promotes seed germination by destabilizing m6A-modified REPRESSOR OF GA1-3 1 (RGA1), a key inhibitor of GA-mediated seed germination. Moreover, ECT1 establishes a regulatory circuit with DOF AFFECTING GERMINATION 2 (DAG2), another regulator of GA-mediated seed germination. DAG2 directly binds to the ECT1 promoter and controls its transcription, and ECT1 modulates DAG2 mRNA stability through m6A binding. Furthermore, we identified PHYB as a common downstream target of DAG2 and ECT1. ECT1 binds directly to m6A-modified PHYB and influences its stability, and DAG2 binds to the PHYB promoter to regulate its transcription. Our findings demonstrate that ECT1 fine-tunes m6A-regulated seed germination via complex and multifaceted molecular mechanisms, particularly through interactions with GA and phyB, broadening our understanding of m6A-regulated processes in Arabidopsis.

RNA m6A modification meets plant hormones

Plant hormones are essential signalling molecules that control and coordinate diverse physiological processes in plant development and adaptation to ever-fluctuating environments. This hormonal regulation of plant development and environmental responses has recently been shown to extensively involve the most widespread RNA modification, N6-methyladenosine (m6A). Here we discuss the current understanding of the crosstalk between m6A and plant hormones, focusing on their reciprocal regulation, where hormonal signals induce m6A reprogramming and m6A affects hormone biosynthesis and signalling cascades. We also highlight new insights into how m6A contributes to the hormonal control of plant development and stress responses. Furthermore, we discuss future prospects for unveiling the regulatory networks that orchestrate epitranscriptome-hormone interactions and harnessing the related knowledge accrued to enhance crop productivity and resilience in changing environments.

The transcriptional regulation of Arabidopsis ECT8 by ABA-Responsive Element binding transcription factors in response to ABA and abiotic stresses

N 6-methyladenosine modification is a critical epigenetic mark in the plant response to abscisic acid (ABA) and various abiotic stresses including salinity, drought, and cold stresses. Arabidopsis Evolutionarily Conserved C-Terminal Region 8 (ECT8), an m6A reader, has been reported to participate in the response to ABA and salinity stress. However, the intricate regulatory mechanisms governing ECT8 expression in these stress responses have not been fully elucidated. Our multidisciplinary analyses have revealed that ECT8 exhibits a broad expression pattern across tissues, with particularly high levels observed in senescent leaves. Furthermore, ECT8 expression is markedly upregulated in response to ABA, salinity, and osmotic stress. Intriguingly, the promoter region of the ECT8 gene harbors two ABA Responsive Elements (ABREs). Employing yeast one-hybrid assays, we identified that key ABRE-binding transcription factors within the ABA signaling cascade, namely ABA INSENSITIVE 5 (ABI5) and ABRE BINDING FACTOR1/2/3/4 (ABF1/2/3/4), exhibit a specific binding affinity for the ECT8 promoter, with the two ABREs indispensable for their interaction. The Dual-Luciferase Reporter assay and Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay confirmed their interaction in planta. The expression pattern of ECT8 in mutants deficient in the core components of the ABA signaling pathway indicated that ECT8 is modulated by ABI5/ABF-mediated ABA signaling. Collectively, our findings elucidate the feedback mechanism linking ABA perception to the regulation of ECT8 expression, thereby shedding new light on the intricate interplay between ABA signaling and RNA m6A modification. This discovery enriches our understanding of the molecular crosstalk that underpins plant stress responses.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-025-01565-7.

RNA modifications in plant adaptation to abiotic stresses

Epitranscriptomic chemical modifications of RNAs have emerged as potent regulatory mechanisms in the process of plant stress adaptation. Currently, over 170 distinct chemical modifications have been identified in mRNAs, tRNAs, rRNAs, microRNAs (miRNAs), and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). Genetic and molecular studies have identified the genes responsible for addition and removal of chemical modifications from RNA molecules, which are known as "writers" and "erasers," respectively. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent chemical modification identified in eukaryotic mRNAs. Recent studies have identified m6A writers and erasers across different plant species, including Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), rice (Oryza sativa), cotton (Gossypium hirsutum), and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). Accumulating discoveries have improved our understanding of the functions of RNA modifications in plant stress responses. This review highlights the latest research on RNA modification, emphasizing the biological and cellular roles of diverse chemical modifications of mRNAs, tRNAs, rRNAs, miRNAs, and lncRNAs in plant responses to environmental and hormonal signals. We also propose and discuss critical questions and future challenges for enhancing our understanding of the cellular and mechanistic roles of RNA modifications in plant stress responses. Integrating molecular insights into the regulatory roles of RNA modifications in stress responses with novel genome- and RNA-editing technologies will facilitate the breeding of stress-tolerant crops through precise engineering of RNA modifications.

ECT8, an mRNA m6A reader, enhances salt stress tolerance by modulating mRNA stability in Arabidopsis

N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most prevalent modification found in eukaryotic mRNAs, is recognized and interpreted by m6A-binding proteins called m6A readers. The EVOLUTIONARILY CONSERVED C-TERMINAL REGION (ECT) proteins have increasingly been identified as m6A readers in plants. A recent study has demonstrated that the loss-of-function ect8 mutant is sensitive to salt stress by enhancing the stability of negative salt stress regulators in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). In this study, we generated and analyzed the ECT8-overexpressing transgenic Arabidopsis plants to further explore the function of ECT8 in salt stress response. The electrophoretic mobility shift assay in vitro showed that ECT8 binds to the m6A-modified synthetic RNAs, preferring UGUm6AA and UACm6AGA motifs over the GGm6ACU motif. Contrary to the ect8 mutant exhibiting salt hypersensitivity by enhancing the stability of salt stress negative regulators, the ECT8-overexpressing transgenic Arabidopsis plants displayed salt tolerance by increasing the stability and expression levels of salt stress positive regulators. Moreover, RNA-immunoprecipitation assay demonstrated that ECT8 binds to the m6A-modified salt stress-responsive mRNAs in planta. Collectively, our current and previous findings highlight that ECT8-mediated stabilization and destabilization of the genes encoding salt stress positive or negative regulators, respectively, contribute to the salt stress tolerance of Arabidopsis.

Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of Members in the YT521-B Homology Domain-Containing RNA Binding Protein Family in Ginkgo biloba

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is a widespread post-transcriptional modification of RNA in eukaryotes. The conserved YTH-domain-containing RNA binding protein has been widely reported to serve as a typical m6A reader in various species. However, no studies have reported the m6A readers in Ginkgo biloba (G. biloba). In this study, a systematic analysis of the m6A reader (YTH) gene family was performed on G. biloba, identifying 10 YTH genes in its genome. Phylogenetic analysis of protein-coding sequences revealed that YTH genes from G. biloba could be classified into two subgroups: GbDC1 and GbDC2 in GbDC and GbDF1-8 in GbDF, each with similar motifs and gene structures. In G. biloba, the predicated aromatic cage pocket of the YTH domains in the YTH gene family is uniformly composed of tryptophan residues (WWW). Subcellular localization experiments verified that GbDC1 is indeed localized in the nucleus, while GbDF1 is localized in both the nucleus and the cytoplasm. The expression patterns of the identified m6A reader genes showed a wide distribution but were tissue-specific. Most genes were highly expressed in leaves, followed by the stem, while the lowest expression tendency was found in the roots. Cis-regulatory element analysis predicted the possible functions of YTH genes in G. biloba, which were mainly responsive to plant hormones such as ABA and MeJA, as well as stress responses. Furthermore, the expression levels of YTH genes indeed changed significantly after ABA, MeJA, and NaCl treatments, suggesting that they can be affected by these abiotic factors. In addition, the PLAAC prediction results indicate that prion domains exist in GbDF1, GbDF2, GbDF3, GbDF4, GbDF6, GbDF7, GbDF8, and GbDC1, and phase separation is possible. This study provides a foundation for further investigation of the effects of m6A methylation on gene expression regulation in G. biloba and other forest trees.

Epitranscriptomic regulation through phase separation in plants

Epitranscriptomic regulation has emerged as a crucial layer of gene control where RNA modifications, particularly N6-methyladenosine (m6A), introduce complexity and versatility to gene regulation. Increasing evidence suggests that epitranscriptomic regulation through phase separation plays critical roles in mediating RNA metabolism during plant development and stress responses. m6A-associated biomolecular condensates formed via phase separation act as dynamic cellular hotspots where m6A effectors, RNAs, and other regulatory proteins coalesce to facilitate RNA regulation. Moreover, m6A modulates condensate assembly. Herein, I summarize the current understanding of how m6A- and m6A effector-mediated formation of biomolecular condensates mediates plant development and stress adaptation. I also discuss several working models for m6A-associated biomolecular condensates and highlight the prospects for future research on epitranscriptomic regulation through phase separation.

Improving grain yield and salt tolerance by optimizing plant height with beneficial haplotypes in rice (Oryza sativa)

INTRODUCTION

Rice (Oryza sativa L.), a staple food for billions worldwide, is challenged by salt stress. Owing to the limited understanding of the physiological and genetic basis of rice salt tolerance, few genes have been identified as valuable in rice breeding, causing a major bottleneck in the development of high-yield, salt-tolerant rice varieties.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to identify salt tolerance genes/quantitative trait loci (QTLs) with breeding potential in rice.

METHODS

Field trials were conducted with 166 Chinese rice cultivars from saline-affected regions and 412 global rice accessions to assess salt tolerance. Genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed to identify key loci related to high yield and salt tolerance. Additionally, the impact of introducing beneficial haplotypes on grain yield and salt tolerance was assessed.

RESULTS

The optimal rice plant height of 100-120 cm was crucial for sustaining high yield under both normal and salt stress conditions. GWAS revealed 6 novel QTLs/genes associated with rice plant growth and grain yield across various environments, distinct from previously recognized salt stress-related genes. Notably, the gene PHS10.1, encoding a serine/threonine protein kinase, may regulate carbon metabolism, starch and sucrose metabolism, influencing plant growth and grain yield. Certain haplotypes of the genes regulating plant height and grain yield, including SD1, Ghd7.1, GH3.5, and PHS10.1, were selected in traditional breeding. Moreover, optimizing plant height through the introgression of beneficial alleles of these genes increased grain yield in recipient lines under both normal and saline conditions.

CONCLUSION

We propose that utilizing beneficial haplotypes to optimize plant height can effectively balance the growth-stress trade-offs in rice plants. This represents a promising breeding strategy for the development of crop varieties that are both high-yielding and salt-tolerant.

Reading m6A marks in mRNA: A potent mechanism of gene regulation in plants

Modifications to RNA have recently been recognized as a pivotal regulator of gene expression in living organisms. More than 170 chemical modifications have been identified in RNAs, with N6-methyladenosine (m6A) being the most abundant modification in eukaryotic mRNAs. The addition and removal of m6A marks are catalyzed by methyltransferases (referred to as "writers") and demethylases (referred to as "erasers"), respectively. In addition, the m6A marks in mRNAs are recognized and interpreted by m6A-binding proteins (referred to as "readers"), which regulate the fate of mRNAs, including stability, splicing, transport, and translation. Therefore, exploring the mechanism underlying the m6A reader-mediated modulation of RNA metabolism is essential for a much deeper understanding of the epigenetic role of RNA modification in plants. Recent discoveries have improved our understanding of the functions of m6A readers in plant growth and development, stress response, and disease resistance. This review highlights the latest developments in m6A reader research, emphasizing the diverse RNA-binding domains crucial for m6A reader function and the biological and cellular roles of m6A readers in the plant response to developmental and environmental signals. Moreover, we propose and discuss the potential future research directions and challenges in identifying novel m6A readers and elucidating the cellular and mechanistic role of m6A readers in plants.

Light-induced cryptochrome 2 liquid-liquid phase separation and mRNA methylation

Light is essential not only for photosynthesis but also for the regulation of various physiological and developmental processes in plants. While the mechanisms by which light regulates transcription and protein stability are well established, the effects of light on RNA methylation and their subsequent impact on plant growth and development are less understood. Upon exposure to blue light, the photoreceptor cryptochromes form nuclear speckles or nuclear bodies, termed CRY photobodies. The CRY2 photobodies undergo light-induced homo-oligomerization and liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), which are crucial for their physiological activity. Recent studies have proposed that blue light-induced CRY2 LLPS increases the local concentration or directly enhances the biochemical activities of RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methyltransferases, thus, to regulate circadian clock and maintain Chl homeostasis through processes of RNA decay or translation. This review aimed to elucidate the functions of CRY2 and LLPS in RNA methylation, focusing on the light-controlled reversible phase transitions regulon and the outstanding questions that remain in RNA methylation.

The m6A-YTH regulatory system in plants: A status

Plants use mRNA methylation to regulate gene expression. As in other eukaryotes, the only abundant methylated nucleotide in plant mRNA bodies is N6-methyladenosine (m6A). The conserved core components of m6A-based genetic control are a multi-subunit nuclear methyltransferase, and a set of nuclear and cytoplasmic RNA-binding proteins consisting of an m6A recognition module, the YT521-B homology (YTH) domain, and long intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs). In plants, this system is essential for growth during embryonic and post-embryonic development, but emerging evidence also points to key functions in plant-virus interactions and stimulus-dependent gene regulation. Cytoplasmic YTH-domain proteins are particularly important for these functions, and recent progress has identified two elements of the underlying molecular mechanisms: IDR-mediated phase separation and conserved short linear motifs mediating interactions with other key mRNA-binding proteins.

Genome-wide identification of m6A-related gene family and the involvement of TdFIP37 in salt stress in wild emmer wheat

KEY MESSAGE

The genomic organization, phylogenetic relationship, expression patterns, and genetic variations of m6A-related genes were systematically investigated in wild emmer wheat and the function of TdFIP37 regulating salt tolerance was preliminarily determined. m6A modification is one of the most abundant and crucial RNA modifications in eukaryotics, playing the indispensable role in growth and development as well as stress response in plants. However, its significance in wild emmer wheat remains elusive. Here, a genome-wide search of m6A-related genes was conducted in wild emmer wheat to obtain 64 candidates, including 21 writers, 17 erasers, and 26 readers. Phylogenetic and collinearity analysis demonstrated that segmental duplication and polyploidization contributed mainly to the expansion of m6A-related genes in wild emmer. A number of cis-acting elements involving in stress and hormonal regulation were found in the promoter regions of them, such as MBS, LTR, and ABRE. Genetic variation of them was also investigated using resequencing data and obvious genetic bottleneck was occurred on them during wild emmer wheat domestication process. Furthermore, the salt-responsive candidates were investigated through RNA-seq data and qRT-PCR validation using the salt-tolerant and -sensitive genotypes and the co-expression analysis showed that they played the hub role in regulating salt stress response. Finally, the loss-function mutant of Tdfip37 displayed the significantly higher salt-sensitive compared to WT and then RNA-seq analysis demonstrated that FIP37 mediated the MAPK pathway, hormone signal transduction, as well as transcription factor to regulate salt tolerance. This study provided the potential m6A genes for functional analysis, which will contribute to better understand the regulatory roles of m6A modification and also improve the salt tolerance from the perspective of epigenetic approach in emmer wheat and other crops.

Prion-like Proteins in Plants: Key Regulators of Development and Environmental Adaptation via Phase Separation

Prion-like domains (PrLDs), a unique type of low-complexity domain (LCD) or intrinsically disordered region (IDR), have been shown to mediate protein liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). Recent research has increasingly focused on how prion-like proteins (PrLPs) regulate plant growth, development, and stress responses. This review provides a comprehensive overview of plant PrLPs. We analyze the structural features of PrLPs and the mechanisms by which PrLPs undergo LLPS. Through gene ontology (GO) analysis, we highlight the diverse molecular functions of PrLPs and explore how PrLPs influence plant development and stress responses via phase separation. Finally, we address unresolved questions about PrLP regulatory mechanisms, offering prospects for future research.

Transcriptome-Wide Identification of m6A Writers, Erasers and Readers and Their Expression Profiles under Various Biotic and Abiotic Stresses in Pinus massoniana Lamb

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification is the most prevalent form of RNA methylation and plays a crucial role in plant development. However, our understanding of m6A modification in Masson pine (Pinus massoniana Lamb.) remains limited. In this study, a complete analysis of m6A writers, erasers, and readers in Masson pine was performed, and 22 m6A regulatory genes were identified in total, including 7 m6A writers, 7 m6A erases, and 8 readers. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all m6A regulators involved in Masson pine could be classified into three distinct groups based on their domains and motifs. The tissue expression analysis revealed that the m6A regulatory gene may exert a significant influence on the development of reproductive organs and leaves in Masson pine. Moreover, the results from stress and hormone expression analysis indicated that the m6A regulatory gene in Masson pine might be involved in drought stress response, ABA-signaling-pathway activation, as well as resistance to Monochamus alternatus. This study provided valuable and anticipated insights into the regulatory genes of m6A modification and their potential epigenetic regulatory mechanisms in Masson pine.

Detection, distribution, and functions of RNA N 6-methyladenosine (m6A) in plant development and environmental signal responses

The epitranscriptomic mark N 6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most common type of messenger RNA (mRNA) post-transcriptional modification in eukaryotes. With the discovery of the demethylase FTO (FAT MASS AND OBESITY-ASSOCIATED PROTEIN) in Homo Sapiens, this modification has been proven to be dynamically reversible. With technological advances, research on m6A modification in plants also rapidly developed. m6A modification is widely distributed in plants, which is usually enriched near the stop codons and 3'-UTRs, and has conserved modification sequences. The related proteins of m6A modification mainly consist of three components: methyltransferases (writers), demethylases (erasers), and reading proteins (readers). m6A modification mainly regulates the growth and development of plants by modulating the RNA metabolic processes and playing an important role in their responses to environmental signals. In this review, we briefly outline the development of m6A modification detection techniques; comparatively analyze the distribution characteristics of m6A in plants; summarize the methyltransferases, demethylases, and binding proteins related to m6A; elaborate on how m6A modification functions in plant growth, development, and response to environmental signals; and provide a summary and outlook on the research of m6A in plants.