Journal of International Reproductive Health/Family Planning ›› 2021, Vol. 40 ›› Issue (4): 306-309.doi: 10.12280/gjszjk.20200653

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N6-Methyladenosine in Reproductive System: Effect and Regulation

ZHANG Meng-hui, LIU Xiao-cong, GUO Yi-hong()   

  1. The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
  • Received:2020-11-19 Published:2021-07-15 Online:2021-07-27
  • Contact: GUO Yi-hong E-mail:13613863710@163.com

Abstract:

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most common RNA modification in eukaryotic cells. Under the dynamic regulation of methylase, demethylase and binding protein, m6A modification is involved in RNA metabolism processes, such as RNA splicing, nucleation and translation and so on. In recent years, many studies have shown that the RNA m6A modification plays an indispensable role in the reproductive processes, such as oocyte maturation and spermatogenesis. During oocyte maturation, the dynamic regulation network of m6A affects the assembly of chromosomes and spindles, interferes with meiosis and impedes the development of follicles. In granulosa cells, apoptosis of granulosa cells caused by the abnormal m6A is related to POI and PCOS. In the male reproductive system, the deficiency of m6A-related enzyme could damage the motility, number and morphology of sperm in mice, while the m6A level in semen was increased in patients with asthenospermia. The combination of new technologies such as artificial intelligence and m6A sequencing technology provides a new direction for the exploration of m6A dynamic network in the future.

Key words: N6-methyladenosine, RNA, Oocytes, Spermatozoa, Spermatogenesis