RNA Epigenetics and Epitranscriptomics: The Emerging Gene Regulatory Landscape Through RNA Modifications

Chemical modifications on RNAs have been shown to be an alternative post-transcriptional regulation of genetic information and are tightly associated with various aspects of biological activities. Increasing numbers of chemical modifications on RNAs have been identified through the substantial advances of detection and characterization technologies. Nonetheless, the dynamic function of these RNA modifications within complex cellular context remains elusive and requires innovative research tools to gain a deeper understanding of this new layer of epigenetic regulatory mechanism. In this article, the prevalent types of RNA modifications are introduced. The dynamics and regulation of these RNA modifications studied via genetic, pharmacological and chemical/synthetic biology approaches are discussed. In addition, current technologies to characterize and map RNA modifications as well as associated database are reviewed.