New insights into the regulation of METTL3 and its role in tumors

As one of the most abundant epigenetic modifications in RNA, N-6-methyladenosine (m(6)A) affects RNA transcription, splicing, stability, and posttranscriptional translation. Methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3), a key component of the m(6)A methyltransferase complex, dynamically regulates target genes expression through m(6)A modification. METTL3 has been found to play a critical role in tumorigenesis, tumor growth, metastasis, metabolic reprogramming, immune cell infiltration, and tumor drug resistance. As a result, the development of targeted drugs against METTL3 is becoming increasingly popular. This review systematically summarizes the factors that regulate METTL3 expression and explores the specific mechanisms by which METTL3 affects multiple tumor biological behaviors. We aim to provide fundamental support for tumor diagnosis and treatment, at the same time, to offer new ideas for the development of tumor-targeting drugs.