Multilevel regulation of N6-methyladenosine RNA modifications: Implications in tumorigenesis and therapeutic opportunities

Abstract

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification is widely perceived as the most abundant and common modification in transcripts. This modification is dynamically regulated by specific m6A “writers”, “erasers” and “readers” and is reportedly involved in the occurrence and development of many diseases. Since m6A RNA modification was discovered in the 1970s, with the progress of relevant research technologies, an increasing number of functions of m6A have been reported, and a preliminary understanding of m6A has been obtained. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms through which m6A RNA modification is regulated from the perspectives of expression, posttranslational modification and protein interaction. In addition, we also summarize how external and internal environmental factors affect m6A RNA modification and its functions in tumors. The mechanisms through which m6A methylases, m6A demethylases and m6A-binding proteins are regulated are complicated and have not been fully elucidated. Therefore, we hope to promote further research in this field by summarizing these mechanisms and look forward to the future application of m6A in tumors.