Crosstalk between gut microbiota and RNA N6-methyladenosine modification in cancer

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. Understanding the crosstalk between gut microbiota and host RNA m6A modification will provide novel insights into mechanistic basis of cancer development and therapeutic strategies for cancer patients.