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5-methylcytosine RNA methyltransferases and their potential roles in cancer

Mingyang Li1, Zijia Tao1, Yiqiao Zhao1

  • 1Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No. 36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110004, Liaoning, People's Republic of China.

Journal of Translational Medicine
|May 13, 2022
PubMed

Insights

5-methylcytosine (m5C) RNA modification is crucial for RNA regulation and cellular functions. Aberrant m5C methyltransferases are implicated in cancer pathogenesis and prognosis.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Epigenetics
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • 5-methylcytosine (m5C) is a significant RNA modification impacting RNA metabolism and function.
  • m5C regulates gene expression through various mechanisms, including modulating RNA stability, translation, and nuclear export.
  • This modification is essential for diverse biological processes such as cell proliferation, differentiation, and stress responses.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a comprehensive overview of m5C RNA methyltransferases.
  • To highlight the mechanistic role of m5C in cancer development and progression.
  • To discuss future prospects in m5C-related research.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on m5C RNA modification and methyltransferases.
  • Analysis of the roles of NSUN family and DNMT2 in m5C RNA modification.
  • Examination of m5C's involvement in oncogene regulation and cancer pathogenesis.

Main Results:

  • m5C modification is catalyzed by NSUN family members and DNMT2 in humans.
  • These RNA modifiers influence the expression of key oncogenes, contributing to cancer.
  • Aberrant methyltransferase expression is observed in various cancers and can serve as a prognostic marker.

Conclusions:

  • m5C RNA methyltransferases are critical regulators in RNA metabolism with significant implications in cancer.
  • Understanding m5C mechanisms in cancer offers potential for novel therapeutic strategies.
  • Further research into m5C modifications and their associated enzymes is warranted.
Keywords:
5-methylcytosineCancerMolecular mechanismsPrognosisRNA methylationRNA methyltransferases

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