N6-methyladenosine in macrophage function: a novel target for metabolic diseases

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is one of the most prevalent internal transcriptional modifications. Evidence has highlighted changes in m6A in metabolic disorders and various metabolic diseases. However, the precise mechanisms of these m6A changes in such conditions are not understood. Macrophages are crucial for the innate immune system and exert either beneficial or harmful roles in metabolic disease. Notably, m6A was found to be closely related to macrophage phenotype and dysfunction. In this review, we summarize m6A in macrophage function from the perspective of macrophage development, activation, and polarization, pyroptosis, and metabolic disorders. Furthermore, we discuss how m6A-mediated macrophage function affects metabolic diseases, including atherosclerosis and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Finally, we discuss challenges and prospects for m6A in macrophage and metabolic diseases with the aim of providing guidance for the treatment of metabolic diseases.