m6A RNA Methylation in Plants: From Molecular Insights to Applications

Epitranscriptomics, the study of dynamic and site-specific RNA modifications, has emerged as a crucial layer of gene regulation in plants, paralleling the role of classical epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA and histone modifications. Among these, N 6 -methyladenosine (m 6 A) has been identified as a central mark involved in the control of the delicate gene expression patterns during plant development and stress responses. This review highlights recent advances in characterizing m 6 A distribution, identifying its regulatory components, and deciphering its molecular functions, with an emphasis on insights from Arabidopsis . We further explore its roles in developmental transitions, environmental adaptation, and epigenetic plasticity. By elucidating the multilayered functions of m 6 A, we underscore its application as a target for crop improvement with epitranscriptome-based yield enhancement and programmable gene editing, offering new frontiers for precision agriculture.