Reading mA marks in mRNA: A potent mechanism of gene regulation in plants.

Modifications to RNA have recently been recognized as a pivotal regulator of gene expression in living organisms. More than 170 chemical modifications have been identified in RNAs, with N-methyladenosine (mA) being the most abundant modification in eukaryotic mRNAs. The addition and removal of mA marks are catalyzed by methyltransferases (referred to as "writers") and demethylases (referred to as "erasers"), respectively. In addition, the mA marks in mRNAs are recognized and interpreted by mA-binding proteins (referred to as "readers"), which regulate the fate of mRNAs, including stability, splicing, transport, and translation. Therefore, exploring the mechanism underlying the mA reader-mediated modulation of RNA metabolism is essential for a much deeper understanding of the epigenetic role of RNA modification in plants. Recent discoveries have improved our understanding of the functions of mA readers in plant growth and development, stress response, and disease resistance. This review highlights the latest developments in mA reader research, emphasizing the diverse RNA-binding domains crucial for mA reader function and the biological and cellular roles of mA readers in the plant response to developmental and environmental signals. Moreover, we propose and discuss the potential future research directions and challenges in identifying novel mA readers and elucidating the cellular and mechanistic role of mA readers in plants.