Non-Coding RNA m6A Modification in Cancer: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Targets

Da-Hong Chen; Ji-Gang Zhang; Chuan-Xing Wu; Qin Li

doi:10.3389/fcell.2021.778582

Non-Coding RNA m6A Modification in Cancer: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Targets

Front Cell Dev Biol. 2021 Dec 22:9:778582. doi: 10.3389/fcell.2021.778582. eCollection 2021.

Authors

Da-Hong Chen¹, Ji-Gang Zhang², Chuan-Xing Wu³, Qin Li¹

Affiliations

¹ Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
² Clinical Research Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
³ Department of General Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.

Abstract

Recently, N6-methyl-adenosine (m6A) ribonucleic acid (RNA) modification, a critical and common internal RNA modification in higher eukaryotes, has generated considerable research interests. Extensive studies have revealed that non-coding RNA m6A modifications (e.g. microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and circular RNAs) are associated with tumorigenesis, metastasis, and other tumour characteristics; in addition, they are crucial molecular regulators of cancer progression. In this review, we discuss the relationship between non-coding RNA m6A modification and cancer progression from the perspective of various cancers. In particular, we focus on important mechanisms in tumour progression such as proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and metastasis, tumour angiogenesis. In addition, we introduce clinical applications to illustrate more vividly that non-coding RNA m6A modification has broad research prospects. With this review, we aim to summarize the latest insights and ideas into non-coding RNA m6A modification in cancer progression and targeted therapy, facilitating further research.

Keywords: cancer therapy; epigenetics; m6A RNA modification; non-coding RNA; tumorigenesis mechanism.

Publication types

Review