RNA Modifications in Health and Disease

Area of Science:

• Epigenetics and Molecular Biology
• Gene Regulation
• Disease Mechanisms

Background:

• RNA modifications, such as N6-methyladenosine (m6A), are critical regulators of gene expression.
• These dynamic epigenetic marks influence RNA stability, splicing, translation, and interactions, affecting fundamental biological processes.
• Dysregulation of RNA modifications is linked to various human diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review recent advances in understanding how dynamic RNA modifications orchestrate health and disease.
• To critically evaluate the role of m6A modifications in disease mechanisms, homeostatic functions, and therapeutic strategies.
• To propose a novel framework for targeting RNA modification networks using multiomics integration.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review of recent advances in RNA modification research.
• Critical analysis of m6A modifications, their association with diseases, and regulatory mechanisms.
• Evaluation of therapeutic strategies and diagnostic approaches targeting RNA modification enzymes.

Main Results:

• Dysregulated m6A contributes to oncogenesis (e.g., breast cancer) and neuropsychiatric/cardiovascular disorders.
• RNA modifications are essential for embryogenesis, tissue regeneration, and immune regulation.
• Enzyme-targeting strategies (FTO inhibitors, METTL3 stabilizers) and diagnostic approaches show therapeutic promise.

Conclusions:

• Context-dependent RNA modification networks act as biological switches; their dysregulation initiates pathogenic cascades.
• RNA modifications represent central targets for precision medicine, requiring interdisciplinary collaboration for clinical translation.
• Multiomics integration offers a novel framework for targeting these critical regulatory networks.