N6-methyladenosine methylation of viral genes

Abstract

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is the most pervasive type of RNA epigenetic modification in eukaryotes and the most common type of posttranscriptional modification of mRNA. m6A modification is a dynamic reversible process that can affect gene expression and play a crucial role in mRNA metabolism and multiple biological processes, ranging from RNA processing, nuclear export and RNA translation to decay. Meanwhile, much evidence has shown that m6A methylation regulates the life cycle of viruses and inhibits or promotes the development of various viruses. However, the mechanism of m6A methylation in virus-associated tumors has not been fully elucidated. This review highlights the role of m6A modification in various viruses to help establish new approaches for treating related diseases.