Functions and mechanisms of RNA m⁶A regulators in breast cancer (Review)

Breast cancer (BC) is a major malignant tumor in females and the incidence rate of BC has increased worldwide in recent years. N⁶‑methyladenosine (m⁶A) is a methylation modification that occurs extensively in eukaryotic RNA. The abnormal expression of m⁶A and related regulatory proteins can activate or inhibit certain signal pathways or oncogenes, thus affecting the proliferation, metastasis and prognosis of BC. Numerous studies have shown that m⁶A regulator disorder exists in BC, and this disorder can be reversed. Therefore, m⁶A is predicted as a potential therapeutic target for BC. However, the molecular mechanism of m⁶A RNA methylation regulating the occurrence and development of BC has not been comprehensively elucidated. In this review article, the functions of various m⁶A regulators and the specific mechanisms of certain regulators of the progress of BC were summarized. Furthermore, the dual role of RNA methylation in tumor progression was discussed, concluding that RNA methylation can not only lead to tumorigenesis but at times give rise to inhibition of tumor formation. In addition, further comprehensive analysis on mechanisms of m⁶A regulators in BC is conducive to screening effective potential targets and formulating targeted treatment strategies, which will provide new methods for the prevention and treatment of BC.