The m6A-circRNA axis: a therapeutic prospect for gastric cancer

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• RNA Biology

Background:

• Gastric cancer (GC) poses a significant global health challenge, with therapeutic resistance limiting patient outcomes.
• The N6-methyladenosine (m6A)-circular RNA (circRNA) axis is increasingly recognized as a key regulator of GC progression and treatment resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current understanding of the m6A-circRNA axis in GC.
• To explore its role in oncogenic processes and therapeutic resistance.
• To evaluate emerging therapeutic strategies targeting this axis.

Main Methods:

• Literature review synthesizing current research on the m6A-circRNA axis in GC.
• Analysis of the functional interplay between m6A modification and circRNAs in cancer.
• Evaluation of therapeutic approaches targeting the m6A-circRNA network.

Main Results:

• The m6A-circRNA axis critically influences chemoresistance, immune evasion, metabolic reprogramming, and cell death resistance in GC.
• m6A-modified circRNAs enhance tumor progression by stabilizing transcripts, promoting oncogenic signaling, and modulating immune responses.
• This axis plays a crucial role in adaptive resistance mechanisms under therapeutic stress.

Conclusions:

• The m6A-circRNA axis is a central regulatory network in GC, driving tumor progression and therapeutic resistance.
• Targeting components of the m6A-circRNA axis presents a promising therapeutic strategy.
• Modulating this axis, alone or in combination therapy, could overcome multidrug resistance and improve GC clinical outcomes.