RNA modifications in gene regulation: Functions and pathways
Summary
RNA is frequently chemically modified, with over 170 types of chemical modifications identified to date in cellular RNAs. These modifications, along with their effector proteins, constitute new layers of gene expression regulation by controlling either the fate of modified RNAs at nearly every stage of their life cycle or local transcription through modulating the nearby chromatin state and transcriptional complexes. This is especially evident in dynamic biological contexts such as cellula
Content
# RNA modifications in gene regulation: Functions and pathways
*Published: 2026 Mar 19*
RNA is frequently chemically modified, with over 170 types of chemical
modifications identified to date in cellular RNAs. These modifications, along
with their effector proteins, constitute new layers of gene expression
regulation by controlling either the fate of modified RNAs at nearly every stage
of their life cycle or local transcription through modulating the nearby
chromatin state and transcriptional complexes. This is especially evident in
dynamic biological contexts such as cellular state transitions, signaling,
immune responses, and stress adaptation. In this review, we discuss recent
breakthroughs and promising avenues for future exploration. Particular attention
is given to the functional significance of mRNA modifications, the emerging
roles of modifications on chromatin-associated regulatory RNAs in chromatin and
transcriptional regulation, and mechanistic insights that will guide future
scientific interrogation of RNA modifications in gene expression regulation. We
also highlight how these fundamental understandings are beginning to catalyze
the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2026.01.006