Targeting key RNA methylation enzymes to improve the outcome of colorectal cancer chemotherapy (Review)

Shao,Chiyun; Han,Yanjie; Huang,Yuying; Zhang,Zhe; Gong,Tao; Zhang,Yajie; Tian,Xiaokang; Fang,Mingzhi; Han,Xuan; Li,Min

doi:10.3892/ijo.2023.5605

Targeting key RNA methylation enzymes to improve the outcome of colorectal cancer chemotherapy (Review)

Authors:
- Chiyun Shao
- Yanjie Han
- Yuying Huang
- Zhe Zhang
- Tao Gong
- Yajie Zhang
- Xiaokang Tian
- Mingzhi Fang
- Xuan Han
- Min Li
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Affiliations: Department of Oncology, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210022, P.R. China, School of Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, P.R. China
Published online on: December 19, 2023 https://doi.org/10.3892/ijo.2023.5605
Article Number: 17
Copyright : © Shao et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License [CC BY 4.0].

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Abstract

RNA methylation modifications are closely linked to tumor development, migration, invasion and responses to various therapies. Recent studies have shown notable advancements regarding the roles of RNA methylation in tumor immunotherapy, the tumor microenvironment and metabolic reprogramming. However, research on the association between tumor chemoresistance and N6‑methyladenosine (m6A) methyltransferases in specific cancer types is still scarce. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is among the most common gastrointestinal cancers worldwide. Conventional chemotherapy remains the predominant treatment modality for CRC and chemotherapy resistance is the primary cause of treatment failure. The expression levels of m6A methyltransferases, including methyltransferase‑like 3 (METTL3), METTL14 and METTL16, in CRC tissue samples are associated with patients' clinical outcomes and chemotherapy efficacy. Natural pharmaceutical ingredients, such as quercetin, have the potential to act as METTL3 inhibitors to combat chemotherapy resistance in patients with CRC. The present review discussed the various roles of different types of key RNA methylation enzymes in the development of CRC, focusing on the mechanisms associated with chemotherapy resistance. The progress in the development of certain inhibitors is also listed. The potential of using natural remedies to develop antitumor medications that target m6A methylation is also outlined.

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