Identification of Flavin Mononucleotide as Cell‐Active Artificial N6‐Methyladenosine RNA Demethylase

N6‐Methyladenosine (m6A) represents a common and highly dynamic modification in eukaryotic RNA that affects various cellular pathways. Natural dioxygenases such as FTO and ALKBH5 are enzymes that demethylate m6A residues in mRNA. Herein, the first identification of a small‐molecule modulator that functions as an artificial m6A demethylase was reported. Flavin mononucleotide (FMN), the metabolite produced by riboflavin kinase, undergoes substantial photochemical demethylation of m6A residues of RNA in live cells. This study provides a new perspective to the understanding of demethylation of m6A residues in mRNA and sheds light on the development of powerful small molecules as RNA demethylases and new probes for use in RNA biology.

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