Epitranscriptomics in the development, functions, and disorders of cancer stem cells

Abstract

Biomolecular modifications play an important role in the development of life, and previous studies have investigated the role of DNA and proteins. In the last decade, with the development of sequencing technology, the veil of epitranscriptomics has been gradually lifted. Transcriptomics focuses on RNA modifications that affect gene expression at the transcriptional level. With further research, scientists have found that changes in RNA modification proteins are closely linked to cancer tumorigenesis, progression, metastasis, and drug resistance. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are considered powerful drivers of tumorigenesis and key factors for therapeutic resistance. In this article, we focus on describing RNA modifications associated with CSCs and summarize the associated research progress. The aim of this review is to identify new directions for cancer diagnosis and targeted therapy.

Emerging Role of Environmental Epitranscriptomics and RNA Modifications in Parkinson’s Disease

“…Epitranscriptomics focuses on post-transcriptional chemical modifications to RNA molecules and their functional impact on translation, as these modifications play key roles in control of multiple levels of RNA metabolism, including stability, splicing, translation, and localization (Fig. 2) [56][57][58]. RNA modifications have been identified across all forms of life, and in many RNA species, including mRNAs, rRNAs, tRNAs, and small nuclear RNAs [59].…”