Transcriptome-Wide Identification of m6A 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.