FIGURE 3.
The m6A modification-related proteins exerting stage-dependent functions during spermatogenesis in mammals. Writers: METTL3 (and at lesser extent METTL14) regulates mainly spermatogonial homeostasis; METTL3/METTL14 complexes regulate spermiogenesis, namely the formation of flagellum; METTL16 inhibits spermatogonia proliferation and ensures normal germ cell differentiation; Erasers: FTO regulates cell-cycle in spermatogonia; ALKBH5 improves translation efficiency and rapid protein turnover mainly during spermiogenesis; Readers: YTHDF2 regulates meiotic progression; YTHDC1 is involved in co-transcriptional and/or post-transcriptional regulations in spermatogonia, spermatocytes, and round spermatids; YTHDC2 promotes translation and plays an essential role in gene expression and promotes translation during meiosis. The highlighted color indicates that the proteins mainly play functions at this stage.