Epigenetic N6-methyladenosine modification of RNA and DNA regulates cancer

Abstract

The biological roles of N6 methylation of nucleic acids have been extensively studied. Adenine methylation of RNA is the most prevalent RNA modification and has widespread effects on RNA splicing, translation, localization, and stability. Aberrant dynamic regulation of RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) has been reported in numerous human diseases, including several cancers. In recent years, eukaryotic DNA N6-methyladenosine (6mA) has also been reported and implicated in cancer progression and tumorigenesis. In this review, we summarize the contributions of N6-methyladenosine modification to cancer biology and pathogenesis in the context of both RNA and DNA. We also highlight the clinical relevance of targeting these modifications as a therapeutic strategy for cancer.