The biological function of m6A demethylase ALKBH5 and its role in human disease

Human AlkB homolog H5 (ALKBH5) is a primary m6A demethylase, which is dysregulated and acts as a biological and pharmacological role in human cancers or non-cancers. ALKBH5 plays a dual role in various cancers through regulating kinds of biological processes, such as proliferation, migration, invasion, metastasis and tumor growth. In addition, it takes a great part in human non-cancer, including reproductive system diseases. The underlying regulatory mechanisms of ALKBH5 that relys on m6A-dependent modification are implicated with long non-coding RNA, cancer stem cell, autophagy and hypoxia. ALKBH5 is also an independent prognostic indicator in various cancers. In this review, we summarized the current evidence on ALKBH5 in diverse human cancers or non-cancers and its potential as a prognostic target.