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

Published on: December 5, 2016

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The role of RNA N 6-methyladenosine methyltransferase in cancers

Jiali Huang1, Zhenyao Chen1, Xin Chen1

  • 1Cancer Medical Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210011, Jiangsu, China.

Molecular Therapy. Nucleic Acids
|February 22, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Methylation of RNA, known as N6-methyladenosine (m6A), is crucial for RNA metabolism. Aberrant m6A regulation by methyltransferases is implicated in cancer development, highlighting their role as m6A writers.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Epigenetics
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is a prevalent RNA modification in eukaryotes.
  • m6A dynamically regulates RNA metabolism, including splicing, translation, and degradation.
  • Dysregulation of m6A is linked to cancer occurrence and progression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of methyltransferases as m6A writers in cancer.
  • To summarize the molecular mechanisms by which m6A methyltransferases influence cancer.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on m6A methyltransferases and cancer.
  • Analysis of existing studies on the functions of m6A writers in oncogenesis.

Main Results:

  • Methyltransferases are key regulators of m6A dynamics.
  • Aberrant activity of m6A methyltransferases contributes to cancer development.
  • These enzymes play diverse roles in various cancer types.

Conclusions:

  • Methyltransferases are critical "m6A writers" in the context of cancer.
  • Understanding their mechanisms can reveal novel therapeutic targets.
  • Targeting m6A methyltransferases may offer new strategies for cancer treatment.
Keywords:
METTL14METTL3RNAWTAPcancerm6Amethyltransferase

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