Role of N6-methyladenosine in the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma / 临床肝胆病杂志

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer and has relatively high incidence and mortality rates. Abnormal modification of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) may promote the development and progression of HCC. This article describes the structure and function of m6A and summarizes the mechanism of action of methylase complexes which decide the function of m6A in HCC, including methyltransferases (writers), demethylases (erasers), and m6A-binding proteins (readers). It is pointed out that more in-depth studies are needed to clarify the diverse and specific role of methylase complexes in HCC, so as to help them become the new targets for the prevention and treatment of HCC in the future.