Interplay between the m6A Epitranscriptome and Tumor Metabolism: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Implications

Abstract

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification of messenger RNA (mRNA) influences the stability and translation of the transcripts into functional proteins. Recent studies reveal the role of m6A modifications in regulating the metabolism of basic biomolecules such as glucose, lipids and amino acids. Such mechanisms are not only important for physiological functions of normal cells but also prove to be pivotal for the pathogenesis of cancers by driving dysregulated metabolism. M6A writers, readers and erasers function co-operatively to promote aberrant glucose, lipid and amino acid metabolism in cancer cells, which in turn support increased proliferative and metastatic potential. Better understanding of the relationship between m6A and metabolism in malignancy may unravel novel therapeutic targets as well as biomarkers in cancer. In this review, we summarize the recent evidence demonstrating the interplay between m6A modification and cancer metabolism and their therapeutic implications.