Functions and mechanisms of N6-methyladenosine in prostate cancer

Prostate cancer (PCa) has long been a major public health problem affecting men worldwide. Even with treatment, it can develop into castration-resistant PCa. With the continuous advancement in epigenetics, researchers have explored N6-methyladenosine (m(6)A) in search of a more effective and lasting treatment for PCa. m(6)A is widely distributed in mammalian cells and influences various aspects of mRNA metabolism. Recently, it has been associated with the development or suppression of various types of cancer, including PCa. This review summarizes the recent findings on m(6)A regulation and its functions and mechanisms in cells, focusing on the various functional proteins operating within m(6)A in PCa cells. Moreover, the potential clinical value of exploiting m(6)A modification as an early diagnostic marker in PCa diagnosis and therapeutics was discussed. m(6)A may also be used as an indicator to evaluate treatment outcome and prognosis.