Dysregulated N6-methyladenosine (m6A) processing in hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract

N6-methyladenosine (m⁶A) is the most thoroughly studied type of internal RNA modification, as this epigenetic modification is the most abundant in eukaryotic RNAs to date. This modification occurs in various types of RNAs and plays significant roles in dominant RNA-related processes, such as translation, splicing, export and degradation. These processes are catalyzed by three types of prominent enzymes: writers, erasers and readers. Increasing evidence has shown that m⁶A modification is vital for the regulation of gene expression, carcinogenesis, tumor progression and other abnormal changes, and recent studies have shown that m⁶A is important in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Herein, we summarize the nature and regulatory mechanisms of m⁶A modification, including its role in the pathogenesis of HCC and related chronic liver diseases. We also highlight the clinical significance and future strategies involving RNA m⁶A modifications in HCC.

Keywords: Chronic liver diseases; HCC; N6-methyladenosine; RNA m(6)A modification.