Table 2 Biological functions of the m⁶A demethylase FTO

FTO-catalyzed demethylation of m⁶A in

mRNAs

Increased transcription and mRNA stability, modification of m⁶A-dependent alternative splicing and miRNA binding to target mRNAs

[125–127, 138–143]

FTO over-expression

Generation of the pro-adipogenic short isoform of RUNX1T1 promoting MCE increasing adipocyte numbers

Increased FTO mRNA

Reduction of ghrelin mRNA m⁶A methylation resulting in increased ghrelin mRNA abundance

FTO-deficient MEFs

Reduced protein expression of the mTORC1 activator leucyl-tRNA synthetase

Increased FTO expression

Association of FTO CpG hypomethylation in T2DM with recuded m⁶A levels in mRNA of T2DM patients

[31, 32, 265]

FTO over-expression

Increased expression of C/EBPβ mRNA, the key transcription factor of gluconeogenesis and adipogenesis

FTO over-expression

Loss of stem cell self-renewal capability

FTO over-expression

Increased expression of PRL mRNA enhancing PIP expression involved in PC and BC progression

[185–187]

FTO over-expression

Interaction with APO ϵ4, increasing the risk of AD