A-to-I RNA editing and hematopoiesis

Adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) RNA editing plays essential roles in modulating normal development and homeostasis. This process is catalyzed by adenosine deaminase acting on RNA (ADAR) family proteins. The most well-understood biological processes modulated by A-to-I editing are innate immunity and neurological development, attributed to ADAR1 and ADAR2, respectively. A-to-I editing by ADAR1 is also critical in regulating hematopoiesis. This review will focus on the role of A-to-I RNA editing and ADAR enzymes, particularly ADAR1, during normal hematopoiesis in humans and mice. Furthermore, we will discuss Adar1 mouse models that have been developed to understand the contribution of ADAR1 to hematopoiesis and its role in innate immune pathways. •A-to-I RNA editing in hematopoietic cells is dynamic and cell type–specific.•ADAR1 mediated A-to-I editing is essential for normal murine hematopoiesis.•ADAR1p150-mediated RNA editing prevents MDA5-mediated immune response.•Hematopoietic abnormalities in ADAR1p150 Zα mutants are primarily driven by MDA5.