Novel insights into the interaction between N6-methyladenosine modification and circular RNA

As the most prevalent type of RNA modification in eukaryotes, N6-methyladenosine (m⁶A) can modulate RNA fates such as processing, splicing, maturation, export, stability, translation, and degradation. Circular RNAs (circRNAs), a novel type of non-coding RNA (ncRNAs) characterized by a covalently closed loop structure, play an essential role in various physiological and pathological processes. Extensive studies have revealed that m⁶A modification is widespread in circRNAs and influences their biogenesis and functions. Intriguingly, circRNAs can affect m⁶A modification by regulating m⁶A regulatory proteins. In this review, we summarize the characteristics and biological functions of m⁶A and circRNAs and focus on recent advances in the interaction of m⁶A modification and circRNAs. In addition, the potential clinical applications of m⁶A modification and circRNAs in diagnosis and therapeutic targets are discussed.