Transcriptome-Wide Identification of m 6 A Writers, Erasers and Readers and Their Expression Profiles under Various Biotic and Abiotic Stresses in Pinus massoniana Lamb.

N 6 -methyladenosine (m 6 A) RNA modification is the most prevalent form of RNA methylation and plays a crucial role in plant development. However, our understanding of m 6 A modification in Masson pine ( Pinus massoniana Lamb.) remains limited. In this study, a complete analysis of m 6 A writers, erasers, and readers in Masson pine was performed, and 22 m 6 A regulatory genes were identified in total, including 7 m 6 A writers, 7 m 6 A erases, and 8 readers. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all m 6 A regulators involved in Masson pine could be classified into three distinct groups based on their domains and motifs. The tissue expression analysis revealed that the m 6 A regulatory gene may exert a significant influence on the development of reproductive organs and leaves in Masson pine. Moreover, the results from stress and hormone expression analysis indicated that the m 6 A regulatory gene in Masson pine might be involved in drought stress response, ABA-signaling-pathway activation, as well as resistance to Monochamus alternatus . This study provided valuable and anticipated insights into the regulatory genes of m 6 A modification and their potential epigenetic regulatory mechanisms in Masson pine.