Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 18, 2026

Generating the Transcriptional Regulation View of Transcriptomic Features for Prediction Task and Dark Biomarker Detection on Small Datasets
03:37

Generating the Transcriptional Regulation View of Transcriptomic Features for Prediction Task and Dark Biomarker Detection on Small Datasets

Published on: March 1, 2024

It's complicated… m6A-dependent regulation of gene expression in cancer

Christina M Fitzsimmons1, Pedro J Batista1

  • 1Laboratory of Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.

Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta. Gene Regulatory Mechanisms
|October 9, 2018
PubMed

Insights

RNA modifications, like N6-methyladenosine (m6A), are crucial for gene expression. Aberrant m6A regulation is linked to cancer, offering potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Epigenetics
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Cellular functions depend on coordinated gene expression pathways.
  • Post-transcriptional RNA modifications, particularly N6-methyladenosine (m6A), are key regulators of gene expression.
  • Dysregulation of these pathways can lead to diseases like cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the regulatory mechanisms of m6A.
  • To explore how disruptions in m6A-dependent pathways contribute to carcinogenesis.
  • To discuss potential therapeutic strategies targeting m6A.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on RNA modifications and cancer.
  • Analysis of the role of m6A in gene expression regulation.
  • Examination of m6A as a biomarker and therapeutic target.

Main Results:

  • N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant internal mRNA modification.
  • m6A modifications influence all stages of the RNA lifecycle.
  • Aberrant m6A patterns are implicated in cancer initiation and progression and can serve as diagnostic biomarkers.

Conclusions:

  • m6A plays a significant role in regulating RNA metabolism and gene expression.
  • Disruptions in m6A pathways are linked to cancer development.
  • Targeting m6A pathways presents promising therapeutic avenues for cancer treatment.
Keywords:
CancerEpitranscriptomeGene regulationm(6)A

More Related Videos

Dot Blot Assay for Detecting Global N6-Methyladenosine RNA Modification Levels08:40

Dot Blot Assay for Detecting Global N6-Methyladenosine RNA Modification Levels

Published on: February 6, 2026

MeRIP-qPCR Assay for Detecting m6A Modification Levels of Specific RNA in Osteosarcoma Cells05:16

MeRIP-qPCR Assay for Detecting m6A Modification Levels of Specific RNA in Osteosarcoma Cells

Published on: December 30, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Epigenetic Regulation01:46

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
Master Transcription Regulators02:23

Master Transcription Regulators

Master transcription regulators are regulatory proteins that are predominantly responsible for regulating the expression of multiple genes. Often these genes work in concert to drive a  complex process. Activation of a master transcription regulator can lead to a cascade of transcriptional activation necessary for that outcome. These regulators can directly bind to the regulatory sequences of the various genes involved, or they can indirectly regulate transcription by binding to regulatory...
Abnormal Proliferation02:23

Abnormal Proliferation

Under normal conditions, most adult cells remain in a non-proliferative state unless stimulated by internal or external factors to replace lost cells. Abnormal cell proliferation is a condition in which the cell's growth exceeds and is uncoordinated with normal cells. In such situations, cell division persists in the same excessive manner even after cessation of the stimuli, leading to persistent tumors. The tumor arises from the damaged cells that replicate to pass the damage to the daughter...
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression03:03

mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression

The mammalian target of rapamycin or mTOR protein was discovered in 1994 due to its direct interaction with rapamycin. The protein gets its name from a yeast homolog called TOR. The mTOR protein complex in mammalian cells plays a major role in balancing anabolic processes such as the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleotides and catabolic processes, such as autophagy in response to environmental cues, such as availability of nutrients and growth factors.
The mTOR pathway or the...
Epigenetic Regulation01:37

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic changes alter the physical structure of the DNA without changing the genetic sequence and often regulate whether genes are turned on or off. This regulation ensures that each cell produces only proteins necessary for its function. For example, proteins that promote bone growth are not produced in muscle cells. Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
X-chromosome...
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression03:03

mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression

The mammalian target of rapamycin or mTOR protein was discovered in 1994 due to its direct interaction with rapamycin. The protein gets its name from a yeast homolog called TOR. The mTOR protein complex in mammalian cells plays a major role in balancing anabolic processes such as the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleotides and catabolic processes, such as autophagy in response to environmental cues, such as availability of nutrients and growth factors.
The mTOR pathway or the...