Update: Mechanisms Underlying N 6 -Methyladenosine Modification of Eukaryotic mRNA

Eukaryotic mRNA undergoes chemical modification both at the 5' cap and internally. Among internal modifications, N-6-methyladensone (m(6)A), by far the most abundant, is present in all eukaryotes examined so far, including mammals, flies, plants, and yeast. m(6)A modification has an essential role in diverse biological processes. Over the past few years, our knowledge relevant to the establishment and function of this modification has grown rapidly. In this review, we focus on technologies that have facilitated m(6)A detection in mRNAs, the identification of m(6)A methylation enzymes and binding proteins, and potential functions of the modification at the molecular level.