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The epitranscriptome meets non-coding RNA: m6A-mediated regulation in oncogenesis and therapy
Prasanna Srinivasan Ramalingam1, Mokhtar Rejili2, Faouzi Haouala2
1Protein Engineering Lab, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India.
Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology
|January 29, 2026
Summary
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modifications are key regulators of RNA metabolism in cancer. Their interplay with non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) influences tumor progression and drug resistance, offering new therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Epitranscriptomics
- Cancer Biology
- RNA Metabolism
Background:
- N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modifications are crucial epigenetic regulators of RNA processing.
- m6A influences gene expression, impacting oncogenesis, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance.
- The interaction between m6A and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) is increasingly recognized in cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the multifaceted roles of m6A modifications in cancer biology.
- To elucidate the intricate crosstalk between m6A and ncRNAs (miRNAs, lncRNAs, circRNAs).
- To explore the therapeutic potential of targeting ncRNA-m6A interactions in precision oncology.
Main Methods:
- Literature review synthesizing current research on m6A modifications and ncRNAs in cancer.
- Analysis of m6A's impact on RNA stability, translation, and transcript outcomes.
- Examination of reciprocal regulatory mechanisms between m6A machinery and ncRNAs.
Main Results:
- m6A modifications regulate oncogene and tumor suppressor transcripts, promoting cancer hallmarks.
- m6A influences ncRNA biogenesis, stability, and function, creating feedback loops.
- ncRNA-m6A crosstalk impacts the tumor microenvironment, immune response, and drug resistance.
Conclusions:
- The interplay between m6A and ncRNAs is a critical driver of cancer progression and therapeutic resistance.
- Targeting these interactions presents promising avenues for novel cancer therapies.
- Further research is needed to translate these findings into clinical applications for precision oncology.
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