Language
English
Publication Date
7-6-2026
Journal
Cell Reports
DOI
10.1016/j.celrep.2026.117635
PMID
42406595
Abstract
RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is a key regulator of gene expression during early embryogenesis. Using SAC-seq (m6A-selective allyl chemical labeling and sequencing), an antibody-independent m6A profiling method, we generated the first single-nucleotide-resolution m6A map of bovine oocytes and preimplantation embryos. We observed both coordinated and uncoupled relationships between m6A modification and expression of protein-coding and noncoding genes. Integrative analysis of the transcriptome, m6A epitranscriptome, and translatome revealed dynamic m6A remodeling, particularly in ribosomal protein genes. Functional interrogation of a specific m6A site within the RPL12 transcript demonstrated that loss of this modification reduces protein synthesis, disrupts translation-related gene expression, impairs zygotic genome activation, and compromises blastocyst formation. Notably, supplementation with wild-type RPL12 mRNA failed to rescue developmental arrest, suggesting that m6A regulates RPL12 function beyond transcript abundance. Overall, these findings provide a valuable single-nucleotide-resolution resource of m6A dynamics in mammalian embryogenesis and uncover a site-specific mechanism by which m6A regulates translation and developmental competence in early embryos.
Keywords
CP: Developmental biology, CP: Genomics, RPL12, SAC-seq, ZGA, bovine, m(6)A, preimplantation development
Published Open-Access
yes
Recommended Citation
Iyyappan, Rajan; Niu, Yichi; Li, Yang; et al., "Single-Nucleotide RNA m6A Mapping in Bovine Preimplantation Development Reveals Site-Specific Regulation of RPL12 at Zygotic Genome Activation" (2026). Faculty, Staff and Students Publications. 7184.
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/baylor_docs/7184
Graphical Abstract