RNA m⁶A modification facilitates DNA methylation during maize kernel development

N-6-methyladenosine (m(6)A) in mRNA and 5-methylcytosine (5mC) in DNA have critical functions for regulating gene expression and modulating plant growth and development. However, the interplay between m(6)A and 5mC is an elusive territory and remains unclear mechanistically in plants. We reported an occurrence of crosstalk between m(6)A and 5mC in maize (Zea mays) via the interaction between mRNA adenosine methylase (ZmMTA), the core component of the m(6)A methyltransferase complex, and decrease in DNA methylation 1 (ZmDDM1), a key chromatin-remodeling factor that regulates DNA methylation. Genes with m(6)A modification were coordinated with a much higher level of DNA methylation than genes without m(6)A modification. Dysfunction of ZmMTA caused severe arrest during maize embryogenesis and endosperm development, leading to a significant decrease in CHH methylation in the 5 ' region of m(6)A-modified genes. Instead, loss of function of ZmDDM1 had no noteworthy effects on ZmMTA-related activity. This study establishes a direct link between m(6)A and 5mC during maize kernel development and provides insights into the interplay between RNA modification and DNA methylation.