Epitranscriptomics: Unveiling RNA Modifications as Regulators of Cellular Fate

Epitranscriptomics, the study of RNA modifications, has emerged as a critical field in understanding the regulation of gene expression and cellular function. RNA modifications, including N6-methyladenosine (m6A), 5-methylcytosine (m5C), pseudouridine (ψ), and N1-methyladenosine (m1A), play essential roles in RNA stability, splicing, translation, and stress response mechanisms. These modifications are dynamically regulated by a complex machinery of writers, erasers, and readers, which influence RNA metabolism and function across diverse biological processes. In recent years, mounting evidence has linked dysregulated RNA modifications to various diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and viral infections.