RNA A-to-I editing, environmental exposure, and human diseases

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Genetics
• Epigenetics

Background:

• Epigenetic and epitranscriptomic modifications are dynamic and influenced by environmental factors.
• Over 150 RNA modifications are known, with RNA editing altering RNA sequences post-transcriptionally.
• RNA editing is increasingly linked to biological processes and diseases, but requires more toxicological data.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current evidence on RNA editing in genotoxicity and cancer.
• To explore the link between environmental xenobiotics, RNA editing, and cancer.
• To propose future research directions in RNA editing and toxicology.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of evidence-based studies.
• Analysis of associations between environmental exposures and RNA editing.
• Focus on RNA editing gene expression in cancer.

Main Results:

• Environmental xenobiotics exposure is associated with RNA editing modifying genes.
• Expression of RNA editing modifying genes is linked to cancer development.
• RNA editing plays a role in genotoxicity and cancer.

Conclusions:

• RNA editing is a crucial area for understanding environmental health impacts.
• Further research on RNA editing in disease and toxicology is warranted.
• A framework for future studies in RNA modifications is proposed.