N6-methyladenosine-mediated gene regulation and therapeutic implications

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation is the most abundant form of mRNA modification in eukaryotes and is at the front line of biological and biomedical research. This dynamic and reversible m6A RNA modification determines the fates of modified RNA molecules at the post-transcriptional level, affecting almost all important biological processes. Notably, m6A is also involved in chromatin and transcriptional regulation, while m6A dysregulation is implicated in various diseases. Here, we review current knowledge of post-transcriptional and transcriptional regulatory mechanisms involving m6A modification. We also discuss their involvement in the occurrence and development of diseases, including cancer, as well as potential theranostic targets, in hope of facilitating the translation of preclinical findings to the clinic.