The emerging significance of RNA 5-methylcytosine modification in human cancers

RNA methylation, the most prevalent type of RNA modification, encompasses more than 60 % of all known RNA modifications. With the advancement of methylation sequencing technologies, a diverse range of biological functions associated with RNA methylation in eukaryotes has been revealed. Specifically, 5-methylcytosine (m 5 C) modifications have been extensively observed in various RNA molecules, including messenger RNAs (mRNAs), ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs), transfer RNAs (tRNAs), and non-coding RNAs. These m 5 C modifications have been shown to impact critical RNA processes, such as mRNA translation, rRNA assembly, and tRNA stability. Notably, emerging evidence suggests that m 5 C modifications play significant roles in the initiation and progression of human cancers. However, a comprehensive understanding of the intricate m 5 C networks involved in human cancers is yet to be fully realized. In this comprehensive review, we provide an up-to-date summary of the roles and potential mechanisms underlying m 5 C modification in human cancers.