Exploring m6A methylation in skin Cancer: Insights into molecular mechanisms and treatment

Abstract

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most common and prevalent internal mRNA modification in eukaryotes. m6A modification is a dynamic and reversible process regulated by methyltransferases, demethylases, and m6A binding proteins. Skin cancers, including melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSCs), are among the most commonly diagnosed cancers worldwide. m6A methylation is involved in the regulation of RNA splicing, translation, degradation, stability, translocation, export, and folding. Aberrant m6A modification participates in the pathophysiological processes of skin cancers and is associated with tumor cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and metastasis during cancer progression. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of the biological functions of m6A and the most up-to-date evidence related to m6A RNA modification in skin cancer. We also emphasize the potential clinical applications in the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancers.

Keywords: Biomarker; Molecular mechanisms; N6-methyladenosine; Skin cancers; Target therapy.