Colorectal Cancer Puzzle: m6A Modification and Its Intricate Relationship With Drug Resistance

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Oncology
• Epigenetics

Background:

• Colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality are rising globally.
• N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant internal RNA modification, regulating gene expression post-transcriptionally.
• Dysregulated m6A is increasingly linked to CRC progression and treatment failure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review m6A biogenesis and regulatory mechanisms.
• To discuss the role of m6A dysregulation in CRC pathogenesis, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance.
• To highlight m6A's impact on resistance to chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of m6A modification in eukaryotes.
• Analysis of m6A-related factors in CRC.
• Examination of m6A's role in mediating treatment resistance.

Main Results:

• m6A modification is dynamically regulated by writers, erasers, and readers.
• Aberrant m6A patterns are associated with CRC development and metastasis.
• m6A plays a significant role in mediating resistance to various CRC therapies.

Conclusions:

• m6A dysregulation is a key factor in CRC pathogenesis and treatment resistance.
• Targeting m6A pathways presents a promising avenue for novel CRC therapies.
• Further research into m6A is essential for developing effective CRC treatment strategies.