Advances of N6-methyladenosine RNA methylation in tree species.
TL;DR
M6A regulation from model plants to trees is extended and new approaches like targets of RNA-binding proteins identified by editing, direct RNA sequencing, and dCas13-based programmable RNA epigenetic editors provide a practical resolution.
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is a pivotal post-transcriptional regulator in plants, but most mechanistic studies derive from arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) and annual crops. While core m6A machinery is conserved in plants, emerging studies in poplar, bamboo, and other tree species suggest that m6A modulates lignification and stress adaptation, likely reflecting perennial traits including long life cycle, secondary growth, seasonal developmental transitions. The major challenge of m6A research in trees is the shift from global m6A profiling to site-specific causal mechanism. New approaches like targets of RNA-binding proteins identified by editing, direct RNA sequencing, and dCas13-based programmable RNA epigenetic editors provide a practical resolution. In summary, this review extends m6A regulation from model plants to trees and highlights m6A's potential for improving tree traits.