Crosstalk between gut microbiota and RNA N6-methyladenosine modification in cancer
Hao Su, Henley Cheung, Harry Cheuk-Hay Lau, Hongyan Chen, Xiaoting Zhang, Na Qin, Yifei Wang, Matthew T.V. Chan, William Ka Kei Wu, Huarong Chen
Abstract
The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in regulating various host metabolic, immune, and neuroendocrine functions, and has a significant impact on human health. Several lines of evidence suggest that gut dysbiosis is associated with a variety of diseases, including cancer. The gut microbiota can impact the development and progression of cancer through a range of mechanisms, such as regulating cell proliferation and death, modulating the host immune response, and altering the host metabolic state. Gene regulatory programs are considered critical mediators between the gut microbiota and host phenotype, of which RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modifications have attracted much attention recently. Aberrant m6A modifications have been shown to play a crucial role in cancer development. This review aims to provide an overview of the diverse roles of gut microbiota and RNA m6A modifications in cancer and highlight their potential interactions in cancer development.