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RNA modifications in cancer

Qiling Tang1,2, Lvyuan Li1,2, Yumin Wang2,3

  • 1NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, Hunan, China.

British Journal of Cancer
|April 24, 2023
PubMed

Insights

This review explores diverse RNA modifications beyond m6A methylation, examining their roles in cancer. Understanding these epigenetic changes offers new insights into tumorigenesis and gene regulation.

Area of Science:

  • Epigenetics
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Over 170 RNA modifications exist, with methylations comprising two-thirds.
  • While N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation in cancer is widely studied, other modifications are also crucial.
  • These modifications regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the roles of specific RNA modifications, including m1A, m5C, m7G, 2'-O-Me, pseudouridine (Ψ), and A-to-I editing, in cancer.
  • To provide a new perspective on tumorigenesis by exploring the complex regulatory networks involved.
  • To highlight the interplay between epigenetic RNA modifications, transcript processing, and protein translation.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on key RNA modifications in cancer.
  • Analysis of existing research on m1A, m5C, m7G, 2'-O-Me, Ψ, and A-to-I editing.
  • Synthesis of information on their roles in gene expression and cancer development.

Main Results:

  • Several RNA modifications beyond m6A are implicated in cancer regulation.
  • These modifications influence tumorigenesis through epigenetic mechanisms, transcript processing, and translation.
  • A complex regulatory network governs these processes.

Conclusions:

  • Diverse RNA modifications play significant roles in cancer beyond m6A.
  • Investigating these modifications offers novel insights into cancer biology and potential therapeutic targets.
  • Understanding the interplay of RNA modifications is key to deciphering tumorigenesis.

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