Understanding m 6 A Function Through Uncovering the Diversity Roles of YTH Domain-Containing Proteins

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant—internal modification of eukaryotic mRNA. m6A can be installed and removed by specific enzymes. The “writer,” “eraser,” and “reader” of m6A modification have been reported. These discoveries facilitate our understanding of the functional significance of m6A. m6A plays an essential role in diverse biological processes by recruiting the corresponding YTH domain-containing proteins, as well as recruiting additional translation initiation factors. Here, we provide an update on the various aspects of YTH domain-containing proteins, including an introduction to the YTH domain, the categories, distribution in cells, and biological roles of YTH proteins. Then we focus on the mechanisms that YTH proteins recognize m6A and mediate the fate of methylated-RNAs in eukaryotic cells.