Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 23, 2026

Enrichment of mRNA and Bisulfite-mRNA Library Preparation for Next-Generation Sequencing
06:57

Enrichment of mRNA and Bisulfite-mRNA Library Preparation for Next-Generation Sequencing

Published on: July 7, 2023

Role of RNA 5‑methylcytosine modification in cancer: Insights from coding and non‑coding RNAs (Review)

Qin Jiang1, Yi Gong1, Mimi Zhai2

  • 1Department of General Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, P.R. China.

Molecular Medicine Reports
|May 22, 2026
PubMed

Insights

RNA modifications, like 5-methylcytosine (m5C), are crucial in biology and cancer. Targeting aberrant m5C RNA modifications offers a promising new strategy for effective cancer therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Epigenetics
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Over 170 RNA modifications exist, influencing RNA structure, function, and biological processes.
  • 5-methylcytosine (m5C) is a key RNA modification found in coding and non-coding RNAs.
  • m5C is dynamically regulated by methyltransferases (writers), demethylases (erasers), and binding proteins (readers).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review the regulatory components of m5C modification.
  • To emphasize the dynamic regulatory roles of m5C in RNA metabolism and function.
  • To summarize mechanisms of m5C in tumor progression and explore its therapeutic potential.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on m5C RNA modifications.
  • Analysis of high-throughput detection technologies and analytical workflows for m5C.
  • Synthesis of data on m5C's role in cancer cell proliferation, migration, and drug resistance.

Main Results:

  • m5C modifications are involved in various physiological functions and regulate tumor progression.
  • Aberrant m5C contributes to cancer cell proliferation, migration, and drug resistance.
  • m5C dysregulation is implicated in numerous cancer types.

Conclusions:

  • Targeting aberrant m5C RNA modifications may represent an efficient therapeutic strategy for tumors.
  • m5C modification presents a novel target for cancer treatment.
  • Further research into abnormal m5C modifications can open new avenues in oncology.
Keywords:
5‑methylcytosineRNA modificationcancermRNAnon‑coding RNA

More Related Videos

Methylated RNA Immunoprecipitation Assay to Study m5C Modification in Arabidopsis08:50

Methylated RNA Immunoprecipitation Assay to Study m5C Modification in Arabidopsis

Published on: May 14, 2020

Dual CRISPR-Interference Strategy for Targeting Synthetic Lethal Interactions Between Non-Coding RNAs in Cancer Cells07:23

Dual CRISPR-Interference Strategy for Targeting Synthetic Lethal Interactions Between Non-Coding RNAs in Cancer Cells

Published on: May 30, 2025

Related Concept Videos

lncRNA - Long Non-coding RNAs02:39

lncRNA - Long Non-coding RNAs

In humans, more than 80% of the genome gets transcribed. However, only around 2% of the genome codes for proteins. The remaining part produces non-coding RNAs which includes ribosomal RNAs, transfer RNAs, telomerase RNAs, and regulatory RNAs, among other types. A large number of regulatory non-coding RNAs have been classified into two groups depending upon their length – small non-coding RNAs, such as microRNA, which are less than 200 nucleotides in length, and long non-coding RNA (lncRNA)...
lncRNA - Long Non-coding RNAs02:39

lncRNA - Long Non-coding RNAs

In humans, more than 80% of the genome gets transcribed. However, only around 2% of the genome codes for proteins. The remaining part produces non-coding RNAs which includes ribosomal RNAs, transfer RNAs, telomerase RNAs, and regulatory RNAs, among other types. A large number of regulatory non-coding RNAs have been classified into two groups depending upon their length – small non-coding RNAs, such as microRNA, which are less than 200 nucleotides in length, and long non-coding RNA (lncRNA)...
Epigenetic Regulation01:37

Epigenetic Regulation

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...
Epigenetic Regulation01:46

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
Types of RNA01:20

Types of RNA

Three main types of RNA are involved in protein synthesis: messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). These RNAs perform diverse functions and can be broadly classified as protein-coding or non-coding RNA. Non-coding RNAs play important roles in regulating gene expression in response to developmental and environmental changes. Non-coding RNAs in prokaryotes can be manipulated to develop more effective antibacterial drugs for human or animal use.
RNA Performs Diverse...
Types of RNA01:23

Types of RNA

Overview
Three main types of RNA are involved in protein synthesis: messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). These RNAs perform diverse functions and can be broadly classified as protein-coding or non-coding RNA. Non-coding RNAs play important roles in the regulation of gene expression in response to developmental and environmental changes. Non-coding RNAs in prokaryotes can be manipulated to develop more effective antibacterial drugs for human or animal use.
RNA...