Chemically modified non-coding RNAs in cancer

Abstract Background Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are transcribed RNA molecules that do not encode proteins but regulate diverse biological processes. Dysregulation of ncRNAs is implicated in cancer, where chemical modifications such as N6-methyladenosine (m6A), N4-acetylcytidine (ac4C), and glycosylatio...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Lulu Yang, Boyang Wang, Zhaohui Gong
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Cambridge University Press 2025-01-01
Series:Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine
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Online Access:https://www.cambridge.org/core/product/identifier/S1462399425100070/type/journal_article
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Summary:Abstract Background Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are transcribed RNA molecules that do not encode proteins but regulate diverse biological processes. Dysregulation of ncRNAs is implicated in cancer, where chemical modifications such as N6-methyladenosine (m6A), N4-acetylcytidine (ac4C), and glycosylation critically influence their function. However, these modifications, as precise regulators of ncRNA activity, have been less well-documented and understood in tumorigenesis and cancer progression. Methods This article systematically analyzes the roles of chemically modified ncRNAs – ribosomal RNA (rRNA), circular RNA (circRNA) and others – in cancer biology, synthesizingevidence from published studies on their mechanistic involvement in malignancy. Results We reveal how specific chemical modifications drive oncogenesis, impact cancer diagnosis, and affect therapeutic responses, while also exploring their prognostic potential. Furthermore, we highlight emerging connections between ncRNA epitranscriptomics and cancer. Conclusions This review provides novel insights into ncRNA epitranscriptomics as emerging biomarkers and intervention targets for precision oncology.
ISSN:1462-3994