The role of RNA m⁵C modification in cancer metastasis

Epigenetic modification plays a crucial regulatory role in the biological processes of eukaryotic cells. The recent characterization of DNA and RNA methylation is still ongoing. Tumor metastasis has long been an unconquerable feature in the fight against cancer. As an inevitable component of the epigenetic regulatory network, 5-methylcytosine is associated with multifarious cellular processes and systemic diseases, including cell migration and cancer metastasis. Recently, gratifying progress has been achieved in determining the molecular interactions between m⁵C writers (DNMTs and NSUNs), demethylases (TETs), readers (YTHDF2, ALYREF and YBX1) and RNAs. However, the underlying mechanism of RNA m⁵C methylation in cell mobility and metastasis remains unclear. The functions of m⁵C writers and readers are believed to regulate gene expression at the post-transcription level and are involved in cellular metabolism and movement. In this review, we emphatically summarize the recent updates on m⁵C components and related regulatory networks. The content will be focused on writers and readers of the RNA m⁵C modification and potential mechanisms in diseases. We will discuss relevant upstream and downstream interacting molecules and their associations with cell migration and metastasis.