The Role of RNA Modifications and RNA-modifying Proteins in Cancer Therapy and Drug Resistance

The advent of new genome-wide sequencing technologies has uncovered abnormal RNA modifications and RNA editing in a variety of human cancers. The discovery of reversible RNA N6-methyladenosine (RNA: m(6)A) by fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO) demethylase has led to exponential publications on the pathophysiological functions of m(6)A and its corresponding RNA modifying proteins (RMPs) in the past decade. Some excellent reviews have summarized the recent progress in this field. Compared to the extent of research into RNA: m(6)A and DNA 5-methylcytosine (DNA: m(5)C), much less is known about other RNA modifications and their associated RMPs, such as the role of RNA: m(5)C and its RNA cytosine methyltransferases (RCMT-) in cancer therapy and drug resistance. In this review, we will summarize the recent progress surrounding the function, intramolecular distribution and subcellular localization of several major RNA modifications, including 5' cap N7-methylguanosine (m(7)G) and 2'-O-methylation (Nm), m(6)A, m(5)C, A-to-I editing, and the associated RMPs. We will then discuss dysregulation of those RNA modifications and RMPs in cancer and their role in cancer therapy and drug resistance.

Automated summary

The use of new genome-wide sequencing technologies has revealed abnormal RNA modifications and RNA editing in various human cancers, with a particular focus on RNA: m(6)A and its associated RNA modifying proteins (RMPs). More research is needed to understand other RNA modifications and RMPs, especially in the context of cancer therapy and drug resistance. Dysregulation of RNA modifications and RMPs in cancer and their impact on cancer treatment and drug resistance are important areas for further study.