RNA Modifications in Tumor Microenvironment: A New Dimension for Cancer Treatment
Qiwen Li1, Yating Sun2, Shuibin Lin3,4
1State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases West China Hospital of Stomatology Sichuan University Chengdu Sichuan China.
Abstract:
RNA modifications are pivotal posttranscriptional gene expression regulators with profound functions in both physiological and pathological states, particularly during cancer initiation and progression. Within the complex tumor microenvironment (TME), these modifications orchestrate diverse mechanisms that significantly impact tumor growth, facilitate immune evasion, and drive therapeutic resistance. Recent advances have demonstrated their critical roles in shaping RNA metabolism and maintaining genome integrity, as well as modulating key stromal pathways such as immune responses, extracellular matrix remodeling, and vascular supply. Emerging evidence further suggests that RNA modifications dynamically regulate intercellular communication between tumor cells and surrounding stromal and immune cells within the TME. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the mechanisms and functional roles of major RNA modifications, including adenosine, guanosine, and pseudouridine modifications. We discuss their regulatory roles in RNA metabolism and genome integrity, and examine their diverse functions within the TME, including immune regulation, tumor proliferation, extracellular matrix remodeling, and DNA damage response (DDR) pathways. Additionally, we highlight recent advances in therapeutic strategies targeting RNA-modifying enzyme and discuss their potential for improving cancer treatment. Collectively, targeting RNA modification represents a promising strategy for overcoming cancer resistance and improving clinical treatment outcomes.
Insights
RNA modifications regulate gene expression and impact cancer progression within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Targeting these RNA modifications offers a promising strategy to overcome cancer resistance and improve treatment outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
- Epigenetics
Background:
- RNA modifications are crucial regulators of gene expression in physiological and pathological conditions, especially in cancer.
- These modifications play significant roles in the tumor microenvironment (TME), influencing tumor growth, immune evasion, and therapeutic resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of the mechanisms and functional roles of major RNA modifications (adenosine, guanosine, pseudouridine).
- To discuss the regulatory roles of RNA modifications in RNA metabolism, genome integrity, and TME pathways.
- To highlight therapeutic strategies targeting RNA-modifying enzymes for cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on RNA modifications and their functions in cancer.
- Analysis of the roles of RNA modifications in RNA metabolism, genome integrity, and TME-associated pathways.
- Examination of therapeutic strategies targeting RNA-modifying enzymes.
Main Results:
- RNA modifications significantly impact tumor growth, immune evasion, and therapeutic resistance within the TME.
- These modifications modulate crucial stromal pathways including immune responses, extracellular matrix remodeling, and vascular supply.
- RNA modifications dynamically regulate intercellular communication within the TME.
Conclusions:
- Targeting RNA modifications is a promising strategy for overcoming cancer resistance.
- Understanding RNA modification mechanisms can lead to improved cancer treatment outcomes.
- Further research into RNA-modifying enzymes and their targeted inhibition holds potential for novel cancer therapies.
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