N7-methylguanosine (m7G) modification in breast cancer: clinical significances and molecular mechanisms

The therapeutic strategies for advanced breast cancer (BC) continue to present significant challenges. Consequently, the implementation of precise diagnostic biomarkers and prognostic targets is essential for effective BC management. Recently, N7-methylguanosine (m7G) modification has garnered considerable attention in the context of various cancer types. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive literature review to explore the potential role of m7G in the tumorigenesis of BC. Analysis of thirteen relevant studies revealed that m7G methyltransferases were usually aberrantly expressed in BC, including TNBC and breast invasive carcinoma. m7G modifications in mRNA, tRNA, and rRNA can ultimately affect the expression of target genes (i.e., m7G regulators [e.g., METTL1/WDR4], m7G-associated genes [e.g. P27 and AGO2], m7G-related lncRNAs [e.g., LINC01871 and LINC00115], and m7G-related miRNAs [e.g. miR-7 and miR-139]) and regulate BC-related biological functions. These novel insights indicate that m7G modification and its regulators hold significant potential for future clinical applications in the diagnosis and treatment of BC. In the future, how to apply m7G modifications to identify the implementation of clinically personalized BC treatment needs to be further explored.