N6-methyladenosine methyltransferases: functions, regulation, and clinical potential

Abstract N6-methyladenosine (m6A) has emerged as an abundant modification throughout the transcriptome with widespread functions in protein-coding and noncoding RNAs. It affects the fates of modified RNAs, including their stability, splicing, and/or translation, and thus plays important roles in pos...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Wei Huang, Tian-Qi Chen, Ke Fang, Zhan-Cheng Zeng, Hua Ye, Yue-Qin Chen
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2021-07-01
Series:Journal of Hematology & Oncology
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s13045-021-01129-8
Description
Summary:Abstract N6-methyladenosine (m6A) has emerged as an abundant modification throughout the transcriptome with widespread functions in protein-coding and noncoding RNAs. It affects the fates of modified RNAs, including their stability, splicing, and/or translation, and thus plays important roles in posttranscriptional regulation. To date, m6A methyltransferases have been reported to execute m6A deposition on distinct RNAs by their own or forming different complexes with additional partner proteins. In this review, we summarize the function of these m6A methyltransferases or complexes in regulating the key genes and pathways of cancer biology. We also highlight the progress in the use of m6A methyltransferases in mediating therapy resistance, including chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy and radiotherapy. Finally, we discuss the current approaches and clinical potential of m6A methyltransferase-targeting strategies.
ISSN:1756-8722