Epitranscriptomic(N6-methyladenosine) Modification of Viral RNA and Virus-Host Interactions
Hasan Imam, Geon‐Woo Kim, Aleem Siddiqui
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m 6 A) is the most prevalent and internal modification of eukaryotic mRNA. Multiple m 6 A methylation sites have been identified in the viral RNA genome and transcripts of DNA viruses in recent years. m 6 A modification is involved in all the phases of RNA metabolism, including RNA stability, splicing, nuclear exporting, RNA folding, translational modulation, and RNA degradation. Three protein groups, methyltransferases (m 6 A-writers), demethylases (m 6 A-erasers), and m 6 A-binding proteins (m 6 A-readers) regulate this dynamic reversible process. Here, we have reviewed the role of m 6 A modification dictating viral replication, morphogenesis, life cycle, and its contribution to disease progression. A better understanding of the m 6 A methylation process during viral pathogenesis is required to reveal novel approaches to combat the virus-associated diseases.