Novel insights into the interplay between m6A modification and programmed cell death in cancer

Int J Biol Sci. 2023 Mar 13;19(6):1748-1763. doi: 10.7150/ijbs.81000. eCollection 2023.

Abstract

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation, the most prevalent and abundant RNA modification in eukaryotes, has recently become a hot research topic. Several studies have indicated that m6A modification is dysregulated during the progression of multiple diseases, especially in cancer development. Programmed cell death (PCD) is an active and orderly method of cell death in the development of organisms, including apoptosis, autophagy, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and necroptosis. As the study of PCD has become increasingly profound, accumulating evidence has revealed the mutual regulation of m6A modification and PCD, and their interaction can further influence the sensitivity of cancer treatment. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in m6A modification and PCD in terms of their interplay and potential mechanisms, as well as cancer therapeutic resistance. Our study provides promising insights and future directions for the examination and treatment of cancers.

Keywords: N6-methyladenosine; apoptosis; autophagy; cancer; ferroptosis; necroptosis; programmed cell death; pyroptosis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Apoptosis / genetics
  • Cell Death / genetics
  • Ferroptosis*
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Pyroptosis