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Updated: Dec 2, 2025
A Nonsequencing Approach for the Rapid Detection of RNA Editing
Published on: April 21, 2022
ADARs, RNA editing and more in hematological malignancies
Phaik Ju Teoh1,2, Mun Yee Koh2, Wee Joo Chng3,4,5
1Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
Insights
Adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) RNA editing, mediated by ADARs, is crucial in human cells. Aberrant ADAR activity is linked to various cancers, particularly hematological malignancies, offering new therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Oncology
Background:
- Adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) editing is the most common RNA editing in humans, catalyzed by ADAR enzymes.
- ADARs function in the nucleus and cytoplasm, converting adenosine to inosine on double-stranded RNA.
- Dysregulated ADAR activity is a hallmark of numerous cancers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the functions of ADARs in cancer.
- To specifically highlight ADARs' roles in hematological malignancies.
- To discuss RNA editing-independent ADAR functions and therapeutic potential.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of ADARs' functions in cancer.
- Focus on recent findings in hematological malignancies.
- Exploration of therapeutic strategies targeting RNA editing.
Main Results:
- ADARs play significant roles in the development and progression of various cancers.
- Specific functions and implications of ADARs in hematological malignancies are increasingly understood.
- ADARs possess functions beyond RNA editing, impacting cellular processes.
Conclusions:
- ADARs are critical regulators in cancer, especially hematological malignancies.
- Understanding ADARs' multifaceted roles opens avenues for novel cancer therapies.
- Targeting RNA editing presents a promising therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment.
Abstract:
Adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) editing is the most prevalent type of RNA editing in humans, mediated by the adenosine deaminases acting on RNA (ADARs). Physiologically, these enzymes are present in the nucleus and/or the cytoplasm, where they catalyze the conversion of adenosines (A) to inosines (I) on double-stranded mRNA molecules. Aberrant ADAR-mediated-editing is a prominent feature in a variety of cancers. Importantly, the biological functions of ADARs and its functional implications in hematological malignancies have recently been unraveled. In this review, we will highlight the functions of ADARs and their involvements in cancer, specifically in hematological malignancies. RNA editing-independent function of cellular processes by ADARs and the potential of developing novel therapeutic approaches revolving RNA editing will also be discussed.
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