Regulatory role and mechanism of m6A RNA modification in human metabolic diseases

Abstract Metabolic diseases caused by disorders in amino acid, glucose, lipid metabolism and other metabolic risk factors, show high incidences in young people, and current treatments are ineffective. N(6)-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification is a post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression with several effects on physiological processes and biological functions. Recent studies report that m6A RNA modification is involved in various metabolic pathways and development of common metabolic diseases making it a potential disease-specific therapeutic target. This article explores components, mechanism, and research methods of m6A RNA modification. In addition, we summarize the progress of research on m6A RNA modification in metabolism-related human diseases, including diabetes, obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, osteoporosis, and cancer. Furthermore, opportunities and the challenges facing basic research and clinical application of m6A RNA modification in metabolism-related human diseases are discussed. This review may enhance our understanding of the molecular mechanism, research method, and clinical significance of m6A RNA modification in metabolism-related human diseases.