Abstract
N(1)-methyladenosine (m(1)A) is a conserved modification on house-keeping RNAs, including tRNAs and rRNAs. With recent advancement on m(1)A detection and mapping, m(1)A is revealed to have a secret life with regulatory functions. This includes the regulation of its canonical substrate tRNAs, and expands into new territories such as tRNA fragments, mRNAs and repeat RNAs. The dynamic regulation of m(1)A has been shown in different biological contexts, including stress response, diet, T cell activation and aging. Interestingly, m(1)A can also be installed by non-enzymatic mechanisms. However, technical challenges remain in m(1)A site mapping; as a result, controversies have been observed across different labs or different methods. In this review we will summarize the recent development of m(1)A detection, its dynamic regulation, and its biological functions on diverse RNA substrates.