NSUN5 and RNA m⁵C epitranscriptomic regulation in tumor progression

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Cancer Research
• Epigenetics

Background:

• NSUN5 catalyzes 5-methylcytosine (m5C) modifications, primarily in ribosomal RNA (rRNA).
• Aberrant NSUN5 expression correlates with advanced cancer stages, poor prognosis, and immune evasion.
• NSUN5 influences ribosome assembly, translation, stress adaptation, and proteome reshaping.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the multifaceted roles of NSUN5 in cancer progression.
• To explore NSUN5 as a potential therapeutic target and diagnostic biomarker.
• To understand NSUN5's involvement in metabolic reprogramming and the tumor microenvironment.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent studies on NSUN5 function and expression in various cancer types.
• Analysis of NSUN5's mechanistic impact on RNA modification, cellular processes, and tumor microenvironment.
• Evaluation of NSUN5 as a therapeutic target and biomarker.

Main Results:

• NSUN5 modulates m5C modifications in rRNA and mRNA, affecting cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and stemness.
• NSUN5 participates in metabolic reprogramming (glycolysis, lipid biosynthesis) and stress responses.
• NSUN5 influences the tumor microenvironment by modulating macrophage polarization and immune escape.

Conclusions:

• NSUN5 is a key regulator in cancer, influencing multiple hallmarks of tumor growth and progression.
• Targeting NSUN5 through inhibitors or indirect strategies holds promise for cancer treatment.
• NSUN5 expression can serve as a biomarker for patient stratification and predicting treatment response in precision oncology.