The dual role of N6-methyladenosine modification of RNAs is involved in human cancers.

As the most abundant and reversible RNA modification in eukaryotic cells, m A triggers a new layer of epi-transcription. M A modification occurs through a methylation process modified by "writers" complexes, reversed by "erasers", and exerts its role depending on various "readers". Emerging evidence shows that there is a strong association between m A and human diseases, especially cancers. Herein, we review bi-aspects of m A in regulating cancers mediated by the m A-associated proteins, which exert vital and specific roles in the development of various cancers. Generally, the m A modification performs promotion or inhibition functions (dual role) in tumorigenesis and progression of various cancers, which suggests a new concept in cancer regulations. In addition, m A-targeted therapies including competitive antagonists of m A-associated proteins may provide a new tumour intervention in the future.

© 2018 The Authors. Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd and Foundation for Cellular and Molecular Medicine.