Role of DNA and RNA N6-Adenine Methylation in Regulating Stem Cell Fate

Background: Epigenetic modifications have been evidenced to participate in eukaryotic stem cell fate decision. Among the most studied, 5-methylcytosine (m(5)C) and its derivatives are well-established epigenetic codes that play important roles in stem cell pluripotency and differentiation. Based on improved detection techniques, recent studies have succeeded in defining N-6-adenine methylation (m(6)A) in eukaryotic DNA and RNA. The abundant m(6)A methylation in RNA was shown to be involved in multiple cellular metabolisms while the presence and functional potential of DNA m(6)A methylation in different species advanced our knowledge in the m(6)A-mediated biological processes. Conclusion: m(6)A modification has been observed during embryogenesis and has been proposed to fine-tune stem cell regulation. The m(6)A methyltransferases and demethylases work together to control the dynamic state of m(6)A marks in genomic DNA and RNA to ensure proper cell fate transition and determination, which are vital to the development and survival of eukaryotes.