RNA m6A methylation in cancer

Abstract

N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) is one of the most abundant internal modifications in eukaryotic messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and non‐coding RNAs (ncRNAs). It is a reversible and dynamic RNA modification that has been observed in both internal coding segments and untranslated regions. Studies indicate that m6A modifications play important roles in translation, RNA splicing, export, degradation and ncRNA processing control. In this review, we focus on the profiles and biological functions of RNA m6A methylation on both mRNAs and ncRNAs. The dynamic modification of m6A and its potential roles in cancer development are discussed. Moreover, we discuss the possibility of m6A modifications serving as potential biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and targets for therapy.

Keywords

• cancers
• m6A
• m6A modulators
• mRNA
• ncRNA
• therapy