The Mechanisms, Research Status, and Future Prospects of m6A Modification in Breast Cancer

Abstract

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is a significant methylation alteration frequently observed in eukaryotic RNAs, garnering considerable attention in the field of breast cancer research in recent years. The m6A modification profoundly influences the onset, progression, and prognosis of breast cancer by regulating RNA stability, translation efficiency, and degradation processes. Numerous studies have demonstrated that m6A regulatory factors, including METTL3, METTL14, and ALKBH5, play pivotal roles in breast cancer cells, affecting cell proliferation, metastasis, and drug resistance. Furthermore, the interactions between m6A modification and non-coding RNAs, as well as its role in the tumor microenvironment, have increasingly attracted researchers' interest. Although numerous studies have elucidated the dual roles of m6A in breast cancer, its specific molecular mechanisms remain to be thoroughly investigated. Future research should explore various aspects, including the role of m6A in different subtypes of breast cancer, its involvement in chemotherapy resistance, and its interactions with the tumor microenvironment. This exploration will contribute to advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. The present article aims to systematically summarize the research progress on m6A modification in breast cancer, offering novel insights and strategies for future related research and clinical applications.