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Multiple Roles of m6A RNA Modification in Translational Regulation in Cancer

Guillermo Fernandez Rodriguez1, Bianca Cesaro1, Alessandro Fatica1

  • 1Department of Biology and Biotechnology 'Charles Darwin', Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|August 26, 2022
PubMed

Insights

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification regulates mRNA maturation and translation. Altered m6A pathways are implicated in cancer, influencing oncogenic pathways and gene expression.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology
  • Epigenetics

Background:

  • N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is a crucial mRNA modification discovered in the 1970s.
  • m6A influences mRNA maturation in both the nucleus and cytoplasm.
  • Dysregulation of m6A 'writers,' 'erasers,' and 'readers' is increasingly linked to cancer development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of m6A in mRNA translation regulation within the context of cancer.
  • To highlight the specific mechanisms by which m6A impacts oncogenic pathways.
  • To discuss the cancer-related functions of m6A in translation, acknowledging current controversies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on m6A modification.
  • Analysis of studies linking m6A to mRNA translation.
  • Examination of m6A's role in oncogenic pathway activation and gene expression alterations in cancer.

Main Results:

  • m6A modification significantly impacts global and selective mRNA translation rates.
  • Alterations in m6A levels affect the expression of genes involved in cancer.
  • m6A plays a critical role in the activation of oncogenic pathways.

Conclusions:

  • m6A is a key regulator of mRNA translation with significant implications for oncology.
  • Understanding m6A regulatory mechanisms is vital for cancer research.
  • Further investigation is needed to fully elucidate the controversial roles of m6A in cancer.
Keywords:
cancerm6Atranslation

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