Unveiling the dynamics and therapeutic potential of m6A methyltransferases and demethylases in liver diseases

TL;DR

This review explores how m6A modification enzymes influence liver diseases and their potential for new treatments.

Contribution

The paper highlights the joint roles of m6A writers and erasers in liver disease progression, offering new therapeutic insights.

Findings

Methyltransferases and demethylases jointly regulate m6A modification in liver diseases.

Fto and Alkbh5 are key demethylases involved in RNA modification mechanisms.

Understanding these enzymes could lead to better treatment strategies for liver diseases.

Abstract

N6-methyladenosine (m6A), a well-known adenosine modification with newly recognized epigenetic functions, reportedly participates in the development of diverse liver diseases. Methyltransferases and demethylases, commonly referred to as “writers” and “erasers”, respectively, play crucial roles in maintaining the balance of m6A modification. In liver disease research specifically, the functioning of these enzymes has piqued significant interest, revealing new perspectives on molecular pathogenic mechanisms. Writer proteins collaborate with co-factors to install m6A modification on RNA, while eraser proteins, exemplified by Fto and Alkbh5, remove modifications via different mechanisms. In liver diseases, the two are not simply antagonistic, but rather act jointly to affect disease progression. By focusing this review on the mechanisms of methyltransferases and demethylases in various liver diseases, we seek to enhance comprehension of m6A modification's role and support the advancement of related research and treatment strategies.

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