Characterization and partial purification of mRNA N6-adenosine methyltransferase from HeLa cell nuclei. Internal mRNA methylation requires a multisubunit complex.

N6-Methyladenosine is found at internal positions of mRNA in higher eukaryotes. This post-transcriptional modification occurs at a frequency of one to three methylation/average mRNA molecule in mammalian cell lines and is sequence-specific. A highly conserved consensus recognition site for the methyltransferase has been determined from both viral and cellular messages, consisting of the sequence Pu(G/A)AC(U/A) (with A being methylated).