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A Method for Measuring RNA N6-methyladenosine Modifications in Cells and Tissues
08:56

A Method for Measuring RNA N6-methyladenosine Modifications in Cells and Tissues

Published on: December 5, 2016

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Functions of N6-methyladenosine and its role in cancer

Liuer He1,2, Huiyu Li1,2, Anqi Wu1

  • 1Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan Province, China.

Molecular Cancer
|December 6, 2019
PubMed

Insights

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) regulates gene expression and cellular processes. This review explores m6A

Area of Science:

  • Epigenetics and RNA Biology
  • Molecular Oncology

Background:

  • N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant internal modification on eukaryotic messenger RNA (mRNA).
  • m6A regulates gene expression, impacting critical cellular processes such as self-renewal, differentiation, invasion, and apoptosis.
  • The dynamic regulation of m6A involves methyltransferases, demethylases, and reader proteins, influencing RNA metabolism.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advances in the research of m6A enzymes.
  • To highlight the mechanisms by which m6A influences cancer pathogenesis and progression.
  • To discuss potential therapeutic targets related to m6A in cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent scientific publications on m6A.
  • Analysis of the roles of m6A methyltransferases, demethylases, and reader proteins.
  • Examination of m6A's involvement in the regulation of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes.

Main Results:

  • m6A modification is crucial for regulating gene expression and cellular functions.
  • Aberrant m6A levels are implicated in the pathogenesis and progression of various cancers.
  • Specific m6A-related genes (e.g., BRD4, MYC, SOCS2, EGFR) are dysregulated in cancer.

Conclusions:

  • m6A plays a significant role in cancer development by modulating tumor-related gene expression.
  • Understanding m6A regulatory mechanisms provides insights into cancer pathogenesis.
  • m6A-related enzymes and pathways represent promising targets for novel cancer therapies.
Keywords:
N6-methyladenosinecancereraserreaderwriter

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