Research progress on the characteristics and functions of m6A modification in lung cancer tumor stem cells

Lung cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer-related deaths, and drug-resistant lung cancer stem cells (LCSCs) play a significant role in its progression. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most common modification on mRNA. It has been identified as an important epigenetic regulator of LCSC fate. This review focuses on the m6A regulatory machinery in regulating the basic biological functions of LCSCs, involving self-renewal, tumorigenesis, and its metastasis. In addition, this review specifically highlights how m6A modification is dysregulated in LCSCs' resistance to chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Moreover, new therapies, like small-molecule inhibitors aimed at enzymes such as METTL3 and FTO that play important roles in m6A are introduced in this review, which could aid in eradicating LCSCs and overcoming treatment failure. m6A pathway is a promising target for discovering new therapies to combat the recurrence of lung cancer.