Defining the functions of adenosine-to-inosine RNA editing through hematology

Abstract

Purpose of reviewThe direct modification of RNA is now understood to be widespread, evolutionarily conserved and of consequence to cellular and organismal homeostasis. adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) RNA editing is one of the most common mammalian RNA modifications. Transcriptome-wide maps of the A-to-I editing exist, yet functions for the majority of editing sites remain opaque. Herein we discuss how hematology has been applied to determine physiological and malignant functions of A-to-I editing.Recent findingsFunctional studies have established that A-to-I editing and ADAR1, responsible for the majority of editing in blood cells, are essential for normal blood cell homeostasis. ADAR1 edits e..