Current researches on N6-methyladenosine and its functions in solid tumors

Abstract

Recent researches demonstrated that N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is one of the most common internal modification of RNA in eukaryotic organisms. This is a dynamic and reversible modification, requiring methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3)/methyltransferase-like14 (METTL14), fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO)/alk B homolog 5(ALKBH5), and YTH domain-containing proteins. The m6A modification of RNA influenced the downstream pathways, through regulating RNA degradation, mircoRNA (miRNA) processing, or translation. Recent emerging studies suggested that m6A was involved in the development and progression of multiple cancers. This article reviewed the expression pattern of m6A in solid tumors and the underlying mechanisms, in order for better understanding the tumorigenesis and development of human tumors and providing potential therapeutic strategies. Key words: N6-methyladenosine; Cancer; Methyltransferase; Demethylases; N6-methyladenosine-binding proteins