N(6)-Methyladenosine modification: a novel pharmacological target for anti-cancer drug development

N(6)-Methyladenosine (m(6)A) modification is the most pervasive modification of human mRNA molecules. It is reversible via regulation of m(6)A modification methyltransferase, demethylase and proteins that preferentially recognize m(6)A modification as “writers”, “erasers” and “readers”, respectively. Altered expression levels of the m(6)A modification key regulators substantially affect their function, leading to significant phenotype changes in the cell and organism. Recent studies have proved that the m(6)A modification plays significant roles in regulation of metabolism, stem cell self-renewal, and metastasis in a variety of human cancers. In this review, we describe the potential roles of m(6)A modification in human cancers and summarize their underlying molecular mechanisms. Moreover, we will highlight potential therapeutic approaches by targeting the key m(6)A modification regulators for cancer drug development.