Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m(6)A) is the most prevalent and internal modification of eukaryotic mRNA. Multiple m(6)A methylation sites have been identified in the viral RNA genome and transcripts of DNA viruses in recent years. m(6)A modification is involved in all the phases of RNA metabolism, including RNA stability, splicing, nuclear exporting, RNA folding, translational modulation, and RNA degradation. Three protein groups, methyltransferases (m(6)A-writers), demethylases (m(6)A-erasers), and m(6)A-binding proteins (m(6)A-readers) regulate this dynamic reversible process. Here, we have reviewed the role of m(6)A modification dictating viral replication, morphogenesis, life cycle, and its contribution to disease progression. A better understanding of the m(6)A methylation process during viral pathogenesis is required to reveal novel approaches to combat the virus-associated diseases.