The roles of RNA N(6)-methyladenosine in esophageal cancer

Esophageal cancer is a malignant tumour with a high degree of malignancy and high mortality. Its pathogenesis and treatment strategy remain unclear. N(6)-methyladenosine (m(6)A) is important for various biological functions in RNA modification and is currently being investigated extensively. It plays an essential role in RNA modification. m(6)A modification is a dynamic process that reversibly regulates the target RNA through its regulatory factors and plays an important role in several diseases, especially cancer. However, the role of m(6)A in esophageal cancer remains elusive. RNA modification and splicing are regulated by RNA methylation regulators called ‘writers’ (methyltransferases), ‘erasers’ (demethylases) and ‘readers’ (modified RNA-binding proteins). These regulatory factors recognise and bind to RNA methylation sites, regulate biological functions such as RNA splicing and translation and influence the occurrence, development, invasion and metastasis of tumours. Considering the importance of m(6)A modification, we reviewed the regulatory mechanisms, biological functions and therapeutic prospects of m(6)A RNA methylation regulators in esophageal cancer.