m6A binding protein YTHDF2 in cancer

Abstract

YT521-B homology domain family member 2 (YTHDF2) is an N6-methyladenosine (m6A)-binding protein that was originally found to regulate the stability of mRNA. Growing evidence has shown that YTHDF2 can participate in multifarious bioprocesses, including embryonic development, immune response, and tumor progression. Furthermore, YTHDF2 is closely associated with the proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and migration of tumor cells, suggesting its significant role in cancers. YTHDF2 primarily relies on m6A modification to modulate signaling pathways in cancer cells. However, the expression and function of YTHDF2 in human malignancies remain controversial. Meanwhile, the underlying molecular mechanisms of YTHDF2 have not been elucidated. In this review, we principally summarized the biological functions and molecular mechanisms of YTHDF2 in tumors and discussed its prognostic and therapeutic values.