N6-methyladenosine modification and metabolic reprogramming of digestive system malignancies

N⁶-methyladenosine (m6A) is a eukaryotic post-transcriptional modification involved in cell growth and developmental processes, including RNA transcription, alternative splicing, degradation, and translation. It is also involved in the development of various cancers. Metabolic reprogramming enables cancer cells to obtain nutrition from the tumor microenvironment, which is a hallmark of cancer. Numerous studies have shown that m6A modification induces metabolic reprogramming in cancer by regulating the expression of metabolic core genes or activation of metabolic signaling pathways. Digestive system malignancies include esophageal, gastric, colorectal, liver, pancreatic, and other cancers, all of which are associated with poor outcomes. This review summarizes the role of m6A modification in the metabolic reprogramming of digestive system malignancies, with the aim of identifying therapeutic strategies.