Related Experiment Video

Updated: Nov 18, 2025

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

11.2K

The role of N6-methyladenosine mRNA in the tumor microenvironment

Min Li1, Xuan Zha1, Shengjun Wang1

  • 1Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Affiliated People's Hospital, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China; Department of Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China.

Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta. Reviews on Cancer
|February 5, 2021
PubMed

Insights

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) mRNA modifications in tumor microenvironment (TME) stromal cells significantly impact cancer progression. This review summarizes m6A

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research
  • Epigenetics

Background:

  • N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is a prevalent eukaryotic mRNA modification with growing interest due to advanced RNA sequencing.
  • While m6A's role in tumor cells is extensively studied, conflicting data exists, highlighting the need to explore other factors.
  • Tumorigenesis relies on the tumor microenvironment (TME), comprising stromal cells and environmental factors, which are often overlooked in m6A research.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize the role of aberrant N6-methyladenosine (m6A) mRNA modifications in stromal cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME).
  • To elucidate the impact of m6A mRNA modifications in stromal cells on TME remodeling and cancer progression.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of existing research on m6A mRNA modifications in the TME.
  • Analysis of studies investigating the functions of m6A in various stromal cell types (e.g., immune cells, fibroblasts, stem cells).

Main Results:

  • Abnormal m6A mRNA levels in TME stromal cells contribute to tumor progression.
  • m6A modifications influence the behavior of immune cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts, and other stromal components.
  • These modifications play a crucial role in reshaping the TME to support tumor growth and development.

Conclusions:

  • m6A mRNA modifications in stromal cells are critical regulators of the tumor microenvironment.
  • Targeting m6A pathways in stromal cells presents a potential therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment.
  • Further research is needed to fully understand the complex interplay between m6A and TME stromal cells in tumorigenesis.
Keywords:
N6-methyladenosineTumor microenvironmentmRNA methylation

More Related Videos

Characterizing RNA Modifications in Single Neurons Using Mass Spectrometry08:45

Characterizing RNA Modifications in Single Neurons Using Mass Spectrometry

Published on: April 21, 2022

2.6K
Author Spotlight: Decoding RNA Methylation's Role in Pancreatic Cancer - A Single-Base Resolution Study06:57

Author Spotlight: Decoding RNA Methylation's Role in Pancreatic Cancer - A Single-Base Resolution Study

Published on: July 7, 2023

1.4K

Related Concept Videos

MicroRNAs01:22

MicroRNAs

MicroRNA (miRNA) are short, regulatory RNA transcribed from introns (non-coding regions of a gene) or intergenic regions (stretches of DNA present between genes). Several processing steps are required to form biologically active, mature miRNA. The initial transcript, called primary miRNA (pri-mRNA), base-pairs with itself, forming a stem-loop structure. Within the nucleus, an endonuclease enzyme, called Drosha, shortens the stem-loop structure into hairpin-shaped pre-miRNA. After the pre-miRNA...
3.4K
MicroRNAs01:22

MicroRNAs

MicroRNA (miRNA) are short, regulatory RNA transcribed from introns—non-coding regions of a gene—or intergenic regions—stretches of DNA present between genes. Several processing steps are required to form biologically active, mature miRNA. The initial transcript, called primary miRNA (pri-mRNA), base-pairs with itself forming a stem-loop structure. Within the nucleus, an endonuclease enzyme, called Drosha, shortens the stem-loop structure into hairpin-shaped pre-miRNA. After...
23.2K
The Tumor Microenvironment02:17

The Tumor Microenvironment

Every normal cell or tissue is embedded in a complex local environment called stroma, consisting of different cell types, a basal membrane, and blood vessels. As normal cells mutate and develop into cancer cells, their local environment also changes to allow cancer progression. The tumor microenvironment (TME) consists of a complex cellular matrix of stromal cells and the developing tumor. The cross-talk between cancer cells and surrounding stromal cells is critical to disrupt normal tissue...
7.3K
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...
4.9K
mRNA Stability and Gene Expression02:51

mRNA Stability and Gene Expression

The structure and stability of mRNA molecules regulates gene expression, as mRNAs are a key step in the pathway from gene to protein. In eukaryotes, the half-life of mRNA varies from a few minutes up to several days. mRNA stability is essential in growth and development. The absence of the proteins regulating its stability, such as tristetraprolin in mice, can cause systemic issues, including bone marrow overgrowth, inflammation, and autoimmunity.
Cis-acting Elements involved in mRNA stability
6.1K
RNA Stability01:53

RNA Stability

Intact DNA strands can be found in fossils, while scientists sometimes struggle to keep RNA intact under laboratory conditions. The structural variations between RNA and DNA underlie the differences in their stability and longevity. Because DNA is double-stranded, it is inherently more stable. The single-stranded structure of RNA is less stable but also more flexible and can form weak internal bonds. Additionally, most RNAs in the cell are relatively short, while DNA can be up to 250 million...
34.9K