N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant and well-studied internal modification of messenger RNAs among the various RNA modifications in eukaryotic cells. Moreover, it is increasingly recognized to regulate non-coding RNAs. The dynamic and reversible nature of m6A is ensured by the precise and coordinated activity of specific proteins able to insert (“write”), bind (“read”) or remove (“erase”) the m6A modification from coding and non-coding RNA molecules. Mounting evidence suggests a pivotal role for m6A in prenatal and postnatal development and cardiovascular pathophysiology. In the present review we summarise and discuss the major functions played by m6A RNA methylation and its components particularly referring to the cardiovascular system. We present the methods used to study m6A and the most abundantly methylated RNA molecules. Finally, we highlight the possible involvement of the m6A mark in cardiovascular disease as well as the need for further studies to better describe the mechanisms of action and the potential therapeutic role of this RNA modification.

N6-甲基腺苷 (m6A) 是真核细胞中各种 RNA 修饰中最丰富、研究最透彻的信使 RNA 内部修饰。此外，越来越多的人认识到调节非编码 RNA。m6A 的动态和可逆性由能够插入（“写入”）、结合（“读取”）或移除（“擦除”）编码和非编码 RNA 中的 m6A 修饰的特定蛋白质的精确协调活动确保分子。越来越多的证据表明 m6A 在产前和产后发育以及心血管病理生理学中发挥着关键作用。在本综述中，我们总结并讨论了 m6A RNA 甲基化及其成分所发挥的主要功能，尤其是在心血管系统方面。我们介绍了用于研究 m6A 和最丰富的甲基化 RNA 分子的方法。最后，