Novel insights into m6A modification of coding and non-coding RNAs in tumor biology: From molecular mechanisms to therapeutic significance

Int J Biol Sci. 2022 Jul 4;18(11):4432-4451. doi: 10.7150/ijbs.73093. eCollection 2022.

Abstract

Accumulating evidence has revealed that m6A modification, the predominant RNA modification in eukaryotes, adds a novel layer of regulation to the gene expression. Dynamic and reversible m6A modification implements sophisticated and crucial functions in RNA metabolism, including generation, splicing, stability, and translation in messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). Furthermore, m6A modification plays a determining role in producing various m6A-labeling RNA outcomes, thereby affecting several functional processes, including tumorigenesis and progression. Herein, we highlighted current advances in m6A modification and the regulatory mechanisms underlying mRNAs and ncRNAs in distinct cancer stages. Meanwhile, we also focused on the therapeutic significance of m6A regulators in clinical cancer treatment.

Keywords: m6A; non-coding RNA; therapeutic target; tumor microenvironment.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biology
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Neoplasms* / metabolism
  • Neoplasms* / therapy
  • RNA / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • RNA, Untranslated* / genetics
  • RNA, Untranslated* / metabolism

Substances

  • RNA, Messenger
  • RNA, Untranslated
  • RNA