N6-Methyladenosine Modification in Vascular Smooth Muscle Disease: A Review

BACKGROUND: The impairment of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) causes many vascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, and heart conditions. Research has shown that N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification regulates VSMCs' function in a vascular environment. SUMMARY: By regulating RNA metabolism, m6A modification affects key biological processes in VSMCs, such as proliferation, migration, phenotypic transformation, and apoptosis. We aim to examine the role of m6A modification and its associated enzymes in vascular diseases caused by VSMC dysfunction and explore its potential as a therapeutic target so that we can develop drugs targeting VSMC dysfunction on a scientific basis. KEY MESSAGES: m6A modification's role in cardiovascular disorders and potential as a therapeutic target demand further study as a critical regulating component in VSMC biology.