The role of N6-methyladenosine modification in neurodegenerative diseases

In recent years, transcriptomics has emerged as a key focus in neuroscience research, as transcriptome modifications play a significant role in influencing various biological processes. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) represents a dynamic and reversible form of mRNA modification prevalent in eukaryotes. This modification is involved in virtually every critical stage of RNA metabolism, including mRNA stability, transcription, translation, splicing, nuclear export, and decay, thereby playing a pivotal role in normal brain development. Accumulating evidence suggests that m6A modification plays a substantial role in various neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Huntington’s disease (HD), while abnormal m6A modification can lead to neurodevelopmental disorders. This review summarizes the relationship between m6A modification and various neurodegenerative diseases and elucidates its potential pathogenic mechanisms at the molecular level.