RNA m 6 A methylation in cancer.

N 6 -methyladenosine (m 6 A) is one of the most abundant internal modifications in eukaryotic messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). It is a reversible and dynamic RNA modification that has been observed in both internal coding segments and untranslated regions. Studies indicate that m 6 A modifications play important roles in translation, RNA splicing, export, degradation and ncRNA processing control. In this review, we focus on the profiles and biological functions of RNA m 6 A methylation on both mRNAs and ncRNAs. The dynamic modification of m 6 A and its potential roles in cancer development are discussed. Moreover, we discuss the possibility of m 6 A modifications serving as potential biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and targets for therapy.