Deciphering the Epitranscriptome in Cancer.

Technological and methodological advancements have recently revolutionized our understanding of widespread epitranscriptome including RNA modifications and editing. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) represents the most prevalent internal modification in mammalian RNAs. Adenosine to inosine (A-to-I) RNA editing is an important mechanism underlying RNA generation and protein diversity through the post-transcriptional modification of single nucleotides in RNA sequences. In this review, we attempt to summarize its functional importance in various fundamental bioprocesses of m6A and A-to-I editing. We also highlight some of the key findings that have helped shape our understanding of epitranscriptome in tumorigenesis, tumor progression, and metastasis. Finally, we discuss conceivable targets and future directions of m6A and A-to-I editing in cancer therapeutics.