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Enhancer regulation in cancer: from epigenetics to m6A RNA modification
Arathy Vasukutty1, Poshan Yugal Bhattarai1, Hong Seok Choi2
1College of Pharmacy, Chosun University, 309 Pilmun-daero, Dong-gu, Gwangju, 61452, Republic of Korea.
Archives of Pharmacal Research
|August 19, 2025
Summary
Enhancers and super-enhancers regulate gene transcription via enhancer RNAs (eRNAs). N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification of eRNAs boosts their function, impacting gene expression in development and cancer.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Epigenetics
Background:
- Enhancers are cis-regulatory DNA elements controlling gene transcription.
- Active enhancers produce enhancer RNAs (eRNAs) crucial for gene regulation.
- Super-enhancers are clusters of strong enhancers driving gene expression in development and cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the structure and function of enhancers and super-enhancers.
- To examine the role of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification in eRNA function.
- To discuss therapeutic strategies targeting enhancer pathways in cancer.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of enhancer and super-enhancer research.
- Analysis of the role of m6A modification in eRNA stability and function.
- Exploration of experimental approaches for studying enhancer activity.
Main Results:
- eRNAs stabilize enhancer-promoter loops and recruit transcription machinery.
- m6A modification enhances eRNA stability and interactions with reader proteins.
- Super-enhancers are key drivers of gene expression, particularly in cancer.
Conclusions:
- Enhancers and super-enhancers play critical roles in gene regulation.
- m6A modification of eRNAs is a key regulatory mechanism impacting enhancer activity.
- Targeting enhancer-associated pathways offers potential therapeutic strategies for cancer.
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