RNA N6-methyladenosine modifications in plants: molecular mechanisms and biological roles.

RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modifications dynamically modulate RNA stability, splicing, and translation in plants, influencing developmental and stress response processes. In this review, we provide an overview of the key protein complexes involved in RNA m6A modification, including methyltransferases, demethylases, and m6A-binding proteins. We then demonstrate that m6A modulates vegetative growth, reproductive processes, responses to stresses, and hormone signaling. In agronomically important crops, RNA m6A modifications affect stress resilience, developmental timing, and quality traits, such as drought tolerance, salt resistance, male fertility, pollen viability, and fruit maturation. Furthermore, we elucidate the molecular mechanisms of RNA m6A. Finally, we explore advancements in m6A detection technologies, highlighting emerging trends and future directions. These strategies provide a conceptual framework for moving plant m6A research from descriptive epitranscriptomics toward trait-oriented crop and forest tree improvement.