The Roles and Regulation of m6A Modification in Glioblastoma Stem Cells and Tumorigenesis

Glioblastoma is the most common and most lethal primary malignant brain tumor. N-6-methyladenosine (m(6)A) is a widespread and abundant internal messenger RNA (mRNA) modification found in eukaryotes. Accumulated evidence demonstrates that m(6)A modification is aberrantly activated in human cancers and is critical for tumorigenesis and metastasis. m(6)A modification is also strongly involved in key signaling pathways and is associated with prognosis in glioblastoma. Here, we briefly outline the functions of m(6)A and its regulatory proteins, including m(6)A writers, erasers, and readers of the fate of RNA. We also summarize the latest breakthroughs in this field, describe the underlying molecular mechanisms that contribute to the tumorigenesis and progression, and highlight the inhibitors targeting the factors in m(6)A modification in glioblastoma. Further studies focusing on the specific pathways of m(6)A modification could help identify biomarkers and therapeutic targets that might prevent and treat glioblastoma.