RNA modifications in female reproductive physiology and disease: emerging roles and clinical implications

作者：Yu Xiang, Hsun‐Ming Chang, Peter C. K. Leung, Long Bai, Yimin Zhu · 发表于：Human Reproduction Update · 年份：2025 · DOI：10.1093/humupd/dmaf005 · 被引用次数：18 · 研究领域：RNA modifications and cancer、Metalloenzymes and iron-sulfur proteins、RNA regulation and disease

BACKGROUND: RNA modifications, collectively known as the epitranscriptome, represent the third layer of gene regulation, influencing gene expression at transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and translational levels. RNA-modifying proteins (RMPs), including writers, erasers, and readers, are responsible for depositing, removing, and recognizing chemical modifications on RNA molecules. These modifications play a crucial role in linking molecular processes to cellular functions. Over the past few decades, a growing body of laboratory evidence, alongside advances in sequencing technologies, has uncovered connections between aberrant RNA modifications and reproductive disorders, highlighting their emerging roles in female fertility. Given the rapid expansion of epitranscriptomic research in female reproduction, a comprehensive review is needed to summarize the broader impacts of various RNA modifications, rather than focusing on individual RNA modifications alone. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE: This review aims to elucidate the progress in understanding the role of RNA modifications in reproductive biology and how their dysregulations contribute to infertility-related conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), and endometriosis. Special focus will be given to RNA modifications in coding RNAs, particularly those linked to female fertility and supported by solid evidence. The ultimate objective is to explore how targeting the RNA-modifica...