Regulation of Gene Expression by N-methyladenosine in Cancer

As the most abundant mRNA modification in eukaryotic cells, N 6 -methyladenosine (m 6 A) has recently emerged as an important regulator of gene expression. m 6 A modification can be deposited by m 6 A methyltransferases, removed by m 6 A demethylases, and recognized by different reader proteins. Numerous lines of evidence have shown that m 6 A methylation plays critical roles regulating gene expression in development and disease. In this review, we summarize the molecular and cellular function of m 6 A and highlight some key results which demonstrate the role of m 6 A in various cancers. Finally, we discuss future directions for research into m 6 A and its effects in cancer and the potential for targeting RNA modification in cancer treatment.