Epitranscriptomics in the development, functions, and disorders of cancer stem cells

Biomolecular modifications play an important role in the development of life, and previous studies have investigated the role of DNA and proteins. In the last decade, with the development of sequencing technology, the veil of epitranscriptomics has been gradually lifted. Transcriptomics focuses on RNA modifications that affect gene expression at the transcriptional level. With further research, scientists have found that changes in RNA modification proteins are closely linked to cancer tumorigenesis, progression, metastasis, and drug resistance. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are considered powerful drivers of tumorigenesis and key factors for therapeutic resistance. In this article, we focus on describing RNA modifications associated with CSCs and summarize the associated research progress. The aim of this review is to identify new directions for cancer diagnosis and targeted therapy.