Epitranscriptomics in the development, functions, and disorders of cancer stem cells

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• Biomolecular modifications, particularly DNA and protein changes, are crucial for life.
• Recent advances in sequencing have illuminated the field of epitranscriptomics, focusing on RNA modifications.
• Altered RNA modification proteins are increasingly linked to cancer progression, metastasis, and drug resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review RNA modifications in cancer stem cells (CSCs).
• To summarize current research progress on RNA modifications and CSCs.
• To identify novel directions for cancer diagnosis and targeted therapy.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on RNA modifications and cancer stem cells.
• Analysis of the role of epitranscriptomics in cancer biology.
• Synthesis of research findings to highlight key associations.

Main Results:

• RNA modifications significantly influence gene expression at the transcriptional level.
• Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are key drivers of tumorigenesis and therapeutic resistance.
• Specific RNA modifications are closely associated with cancer development and progression.

Conclusions:

• Epitranscriptomic research provides critical insights into cancer stem cell biology.
• Targeting RNA modification pathways in CSCs holds promise for novel cancer therapies.
• Further investigation into RNA modifications can lead to improved cancer diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.