RNA epigenetic modifications in digestive tract cancers: Friends or foes

Area of Science:

• Epitranscriptomics and molecular oncology.
• Gastrointestinal pathology and carcinogenesis.

Background:

• Digestive tract cancers are a major global health concern with high mortality.
• RNA modifications play vital roles in gene expression and digestive system function.
• Dysregulation of RNA-modifying enzymes is implicated in digestive tract cancer development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the roles of key RNA modifications (m ⁶ A, m ¹ A, m ⁵ C, m ⁷ G, A-to-I editing, pseudouridine [Ψ]) in digestive tract cancers.
• To highlight the crosstalk between RNA modifications and their interaction with the gut microbiota in carcinogenesis.
• To discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting RNA-modifying enzymes for cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of epitranscriptomics in digestive tract cancers.
• Analysis of mechanisms underlying RNA modification roles in cancer development.
• Discussion of clinical significance and future therapeutic strategies.

Main Results:

• Specific RNA modifications are involved in the initiation and progression of digestive tract cancers.
• RNA-modifying enzymes (writers, erasers, readers) are key regulators.
• Interactions between RNA modifications, the digestive system, and microbiota influence carcinogenesis.

Conclusions:

• Targeting dysregulated RNA-modifying enzymes presents a potent therapeutic avenue for digestive tract cancers.
• Understanding RNA modification crosstalk is essential for developing novel treatments.
• This review provides insights for research into refractory digestive tract cancers.