Work

From mechanistic maps to medicine: Navigating the translational challenges of m6A modification in autoimmunity and cancer

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: To the Editor, We read with considerable interest the comprehensive review by Geng et al., (2025) which synthesizes the complex effects on autoimmune diseases and cancer of m6A modification.This modification refers to the methylation, at N6, of adenosine bases in mRNA, a key regulatory mechanism in RNA biology, as it controls the stability, translation and degradation of mRNA.The authors have successfully charted the expansive 'epitranscriptomic landscape', illustrating how dysregulation of writers, erasers and readers of such RNA methylation contributes to pathogenesis.While this map is undeniably valuable, the journey from this mechanistic cartography to genuine clinical therapeutics is far more problematic than the review might suggest.We offer a critical appraisal to highlight the substantial gaps and challenges that must be addressed to realize the proposed 'medicinal value'.

Source: British Journal of Pharmacology

DOI: 10.1111/bph.70279

Authors: Du Jiang Yang, Jiexiang Yang, Guo You Wang

Institutions: Southwest Medical University, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University

Language: English

Topic: RNA modifications and cancer

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

Funder: Southwest Medical University