Functions and mechanisms of N6‑methyladenosine in prostate cancer (Review)

Mol Med Rep. 2022 Sep;26(3):280. doi: 10.3892/mmr.2022.12796. Epub 2022 Jul 20.

Abstract

Prostate cancer (PCa) has long been a major public health problem affecting men worldwide. Even with treatment, it can develop into castration‑resistant PCa. With the continuous advancement in epigenetics, researchers have explored N6‑methyladenosine (m6A) in search of a more effective and lasting treatment for PCa. m6A is widely distributed in mammalian cells and influences various aspects of mRNA metabolism. Recently, it has been associated with the development or suppression of various types of cancer, including PCa. This review summarizes the recent findings on m6A regulation and its functions and mechanisms in cells, focusing on the various functional proteins operating within m6A in PCa cells. Moreover, the potential clinical value of exploiting m6A modification as an early diagnostic marker in PCa diagnosis and therapeutics was discussed. m6A may also be used as an indicator to evaluate treatment outcome and prognosis.

Keywords: N6‑methyladenosine; RNA epigenetics; cancer; expression; prostate cancer.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adenosine / analogs & derivatives
  • Epigenesis, Genetic
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Prostatic Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Prostatic Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Prostatic Neoplasms* / metabolism

Substances

  • N-methyladenosine
  • Adenosine

Grants and funding

The present study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation (grant nos. 81802576, 81902565 and 81372316), the Jiangsu Provincial Central Administration Bureau (grant no. YB201827), the Wuxi Commission of Health and Family Planning (grant nos. T202024, J202012, Z202011, ZM001, J201802 and J201810), the Science and Technology Development Fund of Wuxi (grant no. WX18IIAN024 and N20202021), the Jiangnan University Wuxi School of Medicine (grant no. 1286010242190070), the Wuxi Taihu Lake Talent Plan, the Supports for Leading Talents in Medical and Health Profession and the Top Talent Support Program for Young and Middle-aged People of Wuxi Health Committee (grant no. BJ2020061).