Abstract: Arginine methyltranserases play very important roles in protein post-translational modification. Recent progresses have shown that the arginine methyltranserases regulate growth and development of eukaryotes, and are involved in adaptation to their environment. However, the functions of these enzymes and the underlying molecular mechanisms are largely unknown. In this review, we describe the classification and the structures of the arginine methyltranserses. We also summarize the recent progresses in the functions of arginine methyltransferases in plants and animals. Finally, we present our outlook for the future and discuss directions of future research in the functional study of arginine methyltransferases.