Epitranscriptomics Changes the Play: mA RNA Modifications in Apoptosis.

Apoptosis is a form of programmed cell death that is essential for cellular and organismal homeostasis. Any irregularities that disturb the balance between apoptosis and cell survival have severe implications, such as improper development or life-threatening diseases. Thus, it is highly critical to maintain a proper rate of apoptosis throughout development. In fact, several complex transcriptional and posttranscriptional mechanisms exist in eukaryotes to critically regulate the rate of apoptotic processes. Recent studies suggest that not only RNA sequences but also their modifications, such as mA methylation, play a fundamental role in these transcriptional and posttranscriptional processes. A specific set of proteins, called writer, eraser, and reader of mA marks, modulate the rate of apoptosis by determining the mA repertoire and the fate of certain transcripts associated with apoptosis. In this Review, we will cover the dynamic mA RNA modifications and their impact on modulation of apoptosis.