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N6-methyladenosine RNA modification in cancer therapeutic resistance: Current status and perspectives

Zhijie Xu1, Bi Peng2, Yuan Cai2

  • 1Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China; Department of Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.

Biochemical Pharmacology
|October 5, 2020
PubMed

Insights

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification influences cancer therapy resistance by altering RNA homeostasis. Understanding m6A

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Epigenetics

Background:

  • Chemotherapy and radiotherapy have improved cancer treatment outcomes.
  • Cancer cells often develop resistance to therapies, leading to treatment failure.
  • Therapeutic resistance mechanisms are complex and diverse.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of the N6-methyladenosine (m6A) epitranscriptome in cancer therapy resistance.
  • To explore how m6A RNA modification impacts RNA homeostasis and cellular pathways in cancer.
  • To discuss the biological implications of m6A RNA methylation in controlling therapeutic resistance.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on m6A RNA modification and cancer therapy resistance.
  • Analysis of evidence linking m6A epitranscriptome to RNA homeostasis modulation.
  • Discussion of m6A RNA methylation profiles and their biological significance.

Main Results:

  • The m6A epitranscriptome significantly affects RNA homeostasis.
  • Modulation of RNA homeostasis by m6A influences multiple cellular pathways relevant to cancer.
  • m6A RNA methylation is a key factor in the development of therapeutic resistance.

Conclusions:

  • N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification is a critical determinant of cancer therapeutic resistance.
  • Targeting the m6A epitranscriptome holds potential for overcoming treatment failure in cancer.
Keywords:
ChemoresistanceImmunotherapy resistanceN6-methyladenosineRadioresistanceTargeted therapy resistance

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