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Updated: Oct 3, 2025

A Method for Measuring RNA N6-methyladenosine Modifications in Cells and Tissues
Published on: December 5, 2016
m6A modification: recent advances, anticancer targeted drug discovery and beyond
Li-Juan Deng1, Wei-Qing Deng1,2, Shu-Ran Fan2
1Formula-pattern Research Center, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.
Abstract:
Abnormal N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is closely associated with the occurrence, development, progression and prognosis of cancer, and aberrant m6A regulators have been identified as novel anticancer drug targets. Both traditional medicine-related approaches and modern drug discovery platforms have been used in an attempt to develop m6A-targeted drugs. Here, we provide an update of the latest findings on m6A modification and the critical roles of m6A modification in cancer progression, and we summarize rational sources for the discovery of m6A-targeted anticancer agents from traditional medicines and computer-based chemosynthetic compounds. This review highlights the potential agents targeting m6A modification for cancer treatment and proposes the advantage of artificial intelligence (AI) in the discovery of m6A-targeting anticancer drugs. Three stages of m6A-targeting anticancer drug discovery: traditional medicine-based natural products, modern chemical modification or synthesis, and artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted approaches for the future.
Insights
Abnormal N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is linked to cancer. This review explores traditional medicines and AI for discovering new m6A-targeting anticancer drugs.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Epigenetics
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Aberrant N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is implicated in cancer development, progression, and prognosis.
- m6A regulators are emerging as novel targets for anticancer drug development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the latest findings on m6A modification in cancer.
- To summarize sources for discovering m6A-targeted anticancer agents.
- To highlight the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in this drug discovery process.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of m6A modification in cancer.
- Analysis of traditional medicine resources for m6A-targeting compounds.
- Exploration of computer-based chemosynthetic compound discovery.
- Discussion of AI-assisted drug discovery approaches.
Main Results:
- m6A modification plays critical roles in various stages of cancer progression.
- Traditional medicines and synthetic compounds offer rational sources for m6A-targeting agents.
- AI presents a promising avenue for accelerating the discovery of m6A-targeting anticancer drugs.
Conclusions:
- m6A-targeting agents hold significant potential for cancer treatment.
- A multi-stage approach, including traditional medicine, chemical synthesis, and AI, can advance m6A-targeted drug discovery.
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