Mechanisms of N6-methyladenosine modification in tumor development and potential therapeutic strategies (Review)

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification, as the most common and abundant type of RNA modification in mammalian cells, participates in the processes of mRNA transcription, translation, splicing and degradation, serving to regulate RNA stability. In recent years, a large number of studies have indicated that m6A modification is able to affect tumor progression, participate in tumor metabolism, regulate tumor cell ferroptosis and change the tumor immune microenvironment, thereby affecting tumor immunotherapy. In the current review, the main features of m6A-associated proteins are presented with a focus on the mechanisms underpinning their roles in tumor progression, metabolism, ferroptosis and immunotherapy, also emphasizing the potential of targeting m6A-associated proteins as a promising strategy for the treatment of cancer.