Decoding N6-methyladenosine’s dynamic role in stem cell fate and early embryo development: insights into RNA–chromatin interactions

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N 6 -methyladenosine (m 6 A), a reversible and dynamic RNA modification, plays pivotal roles in regulating stem cell pluripotency and early embryogenesis. Disruptions in m 6 A homeostasis lead to profound developmental defects, impairing processes such as stem cell self-renewal, lineage specification, oocyte maturation, zygotic genome activation, and maternal RNA degradation after fertilization. Beyond its well-recognized roles in mRNA transport, stability, and translation, recent studies have highlighted m 6 A’s critical role in transcriptional regulation through intricate RNA–chromatin interactions, notably involving chromatin-associated regulatory RNAs (carRNAs) and retrotransposon RNAs. This review delves into the dynamic regulatory landscape of m 6 A, highlighting its critical interplay with chromatin modifications, and explores its broader implications in stem cell biology and early embryonic development.