Molecular characterization and clinical relevance of m(6)A regulators across 33 cancer types

The methylation of N(6) adenosine (m(6)A) plays a critical role in diverse biological processes. However, knowledge regarding the reconstitution of m(6)A across cancer types is still lacking. Here, we systematically analyzed the molecular alterations and clinical relevance of m(6)A regulators across > 10,000 subjects representing 33 cancer types. We found that there are widespread genetic alterations to m(6)A regulators, and that their expression levels are significantly correlated with the activity of cancer hallmark-related pathways. Moreover, m(6)A regulators were found to be potentially useful for prognostic stratification, and we identified IGF2BP3 as a potential oncogene across multiple cancer types. Our results provide a valuable resource that will guide both mechanistic and therapeutic analyses of the role of m(6)A regulators in cancer. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Supplementary information accompanies this paper at 10.1186/s12943-019-1066-3.