Regulatory effects of natural products on N6-methyladenosine modification: A novel therapeutic strategy for cancer

Drug Discov Today. 2024 Feb;29(2):103875. doi: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103875. Epub 2024 Jan 3.

Abstract

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is considered to be the most common and abundant epigenetics modification in messenger RNA (mRNA) and noncoding RNA. Abnormal modification of m6A is closely related to the occurrence, development, progression, and prognosis of cancer. m6A regulators have been identified as novel targets for anticancer drugs. Natural products, a rich source of traditional anticancer drugs, have been utilized for the development of m6A-targeting drugs. Here, we review the key role of m6A modification in cancer progression and explore the prospects and structural modification mechanisms of natural products as potential drugs targeting m6A modification for cancer treatment.

Keywords: RNA methylation; anticancer; drug discovery; m6A; natural product.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adenosine
  • Antineoplastic Agents* / pharmacology
  • Antineoplastic Agents* / therapeutic use
  • Biological Products* / pharmacology
  • Biological Products* / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Medicine, Traditional
  • Neoplasms* / drug therapy

Substances

  • Biological Products
  • Adenosine
  • Antineoplastic Agents