Transcriptome analysis of Mettl16-deficient erythroblasts

Erythroid cells rapidly undergo multiple rounds of DNA replication and cell division during their differentiation requiring rigorous monitoring of genome integrity. However, it is poorly understood if post-transcriptional mechanisms are required for safeguarding genome integrity during erythroid differentiation. Here, we report that an N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methyltransferase METTL16 plays an essential role in proper erythropoiesis by safeguarding genome integrity via the control of DNA-repair-related genes. The transcriptome analysis of METTL16-deficient erythroblasts reveals that these cells fail to express erythroid-important genes properly and that they express DNA damage response-related genes. This study will provide a novel insight into the regulation of erythroid differentiation via RNA m6A methylation.