Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 7, 2026
07:38
Intracellular Phosphoflow Cytometry of Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patient-Derived Xenotransplants
Published on: June 6, 2025
597
METTL16 in cancer: Roles and regulatory mechanisms
Kangjie Qiu1, Shuxin Zhong1, Jinyi Liu2
1Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China.
Genes & Diseases
|December 29, 2025
Summary
METTL16, an enzyme regulating RNA methylation (m6A), is crucial in cancer. Understanding its roles in cancer progression and drug resistance may lead to new therapeutic strategies targeting this key epigenetic regulator.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Epigenetics
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Gene expression regulation is vital in cancer.
- RNA methylation, specifically N6-methyladenosine (m6A), is an important epigenetic modification.
- METTL16 is a key enzyme responsible for m6A methylation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the functions and regulatory mechanisms of METTL16 in cancer.
- To elucidate the m6A-dependent and m6A-independent roles of METTL16.
- To explore METTL16 as a potential cancer therapeutic target.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of METTL16's role in cancer.
- Analysis of METTL16's impact on RNA metabolism and stability.
- Examination of METTL16's association with cancer hallmarks.
Main Results:
- METTL16 dysregulation is linked to cancer proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance.
- METTL16 influences RNA stability and function through m6A-dependent and independent pathways.
- Specific mechanisms of METTL16 in cancer are not fully understood but are critical.
Conclusions:
- METTL16 plays a significant role in cancer development and progression.
- Targeting METTL16 offers a promising strategy for novel cancer therapies.
- Further research into METTL16 mechanisms is warranted for therapeutic development.
Related Concept Videos
03:03mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression
4.6K
The mammalian target of rapamycin or mTOR protein was discovered in 1994 due to its direct interaction with rapamycin. The protein gets its name from a yeast homolog called TOR. The mTOR protein complex in mammalian cells plays a major role in balancing anabolic processes such as the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleotides and catabolic processes, such as autophagy in response to environmental cues, such as availability of nutrients and growth factors.
The mTOR pathway or the...
The mTOR pathway or the...
4.6K
02:23Master Transcription Regulators
7.6K
Master transcription regulators are regulatory proteins that are predominantly responsible for regulating the expression of multiple genes. Often these genes work in concert to drive a complex process. Activation of a master transcription regulator can lead to a cascade of transcriptional activation necessary for that outcome. These regulators can directly bind to the regulatory sequences of the various genes involved, or they can indirectly regulate transcription by binding to regulatory...
7.6K
02:30Metastasis
6.3K
Metastasis is the spread of cancer cells from the original site to distant locations in the body. Cancer cells can spread via blood vessels (hematogenous) as well as lymph vessels in the body.
Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition
The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition or EMT is a developmental process commonly observed in wound healing, embryogenesis, and cancer metastasis. EMT is induced by transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) or receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) ligands, which further...
Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition
The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition or EMT is a developmental process commonly observed in wound healing, embryogenesis, and cancer metastasis. EMT is induced by transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) or receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) ligands, which further...
6.3K
01:37Epigenetic Regulation
3.7K
Epigenetic changes alter the physical structure of the DNA without changing the genetic sequence and often regulate whether genes are turned on or off. This regulation ensures that each cell produces only proteins necessary for its function. For example, proteins that promote bone growth are not produced in muscle cells. Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
X-chromosome...
X-chromosome...
3.7K
01:46Epigenetic Regulation
33.4K
Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
33.4K
02:38Mitogens and the Cell Cycle
7.7K
Mitogens and their receptors play a crucial role in controlling the progression of the cell cycle. However, the loss of mitogenic control over cell division leads to tumor formation. Therefore, mitogens and mitogen receptors play an important role in cancer research. For instance, the epidermal growth factor (EGF) - a type of mitogen and its transmembrane receptor (EGFR), decides the fate of the cell's proliferation. When EGF binds to EGFR, a member of the ErbB family of tyrosine kinase...
7.7K