N6-methyladenosine role in acute myeloid leukaemia

Abstract

We are currently assisting in the explosion of epitranscriptomics, which studies the functional role of chemical modifications into RNA molecules. Among more than 100 RNA modifications, the N6-methyladenosine (m6 A), in particular, has attracted the interest of researchers all around the world. m6 A is the most abundant internal chemical modification in mRNA, and it can control any aspect of mRNA post-transcriptional regulation. m6 A is installed by “writers”, removed by “erasers”, and recognized by “readers”; thus, it can be compared to the reversible and dynamic epigenetic modifications in histones and DNA. Given its fundamental role in determining the way mRNAs are expressed, it comes as no surprise that alterations to m6 A modifications have a deep impact in cell differentiation, normal development and human diseases. Here, we review the proteins involved in m6 A modification in mammals, m6 A role in gene expression and its contribution to cancer development. In particular, we will focus on acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), which provides an initial indication of how alteration in m6 A modification can disrupt normal cellular differentiation and lead to cancer.