MeRIP-seq 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. Methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeRIP-seq) analysis of METTL16-deficient erythroblasts reveals that METTL16 controls m6A deposition on transcripts of DNA-repair-related genes. This study will provide a novel insight into the regulation of erythroid differentiation via RNA m6A methylation.