Figure 3. RNA modification groups transcripts for cellular processes.

Developmental programs require rapid switching of the cellular transcriptome to bring about phenotypic changes. Recruitment of transcription factors can alter the composition of the RNA pool by introducing required transcripts to the existent mRNA population. In order to accomplish more rapid transitions, cells utilize the existing pool of mRNA, tuning their expression accordingly. One way to differentiate distinct groups of mRNAs from a diverse cellular pool is by post-transcriptional modification by m⁶A, which marks transcripts for incorporation into pathways for translation and decay. Additional modifications may lend greater diversity to such mechanisms.