RNA modifications have recently emerged as critical posttranscriptional regulators of gene expression programmes. Significant advances have been made in understanding the functional role of RNA modifications in regulating coding and non-coding RNA processing and function, which in turn thoroughly shape distinct gene expression programmes. They affect diverse biological processes, and the correct deposition of many of these modifications is required for normal development. Alterations of their deposition are implicated in several diseases, including cancer. In this Review, we focus on the occurrence of N6-methyladenosine (m6A), 5-methylcytosine (m5C) and pseudouridine (Ψ) in coding and non-coding RNAs and describe their physiopathological role in cancer. We will highlight the latest insights into the mechanisms of how these posttranscriptional modifications influence tumour development, maintenance, and progression. Finally, we will summarize the latest advances on the development of small molecule inhibitors that target specific writers or erasers to rewind the epitranscriptome of a cancer cell and their therapeutic potential.

A fluorescent analogue of abscisic acid has been prepared by combining (S)‐abscisic acid (ABA) with nitrobenzoxadiazole (NBD) fluorophore using ethanol amine as a linker. Isomerization of the double bond at the side chain of abscisic acid happened during the synthesis. The resulting fluorophore analogues derived from both isomeric compounds entered cells suggesting a wide applicability of the ABA‐NBD conjugates as fluorescent probes to study ABA mechanism of action. The functional properties of the isomeric ABA‐NBD conjugates were tested in vitro, by measuring TNFα expression and nitrite concentration in LPS‐stimulated macrophages and compared with their non‐fluorescent ABA isomers. Rationalization of the results is given as supported by docking studies of the compounds with LANCL2 and PPARγ targets.