The Role of N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) Methylation in Pancreatic Cancer: Mechanisms, Challenges, and Therapeutic Prospects

Abstract

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is among the most lethal malignancies, with a notably poor survival rate. This review explores the role of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation, an epigenetic modification, in influencing PC progression. m6A methylation impacts tumorigenesis, cancer cell stemness, proliferation, and drug resistance by modulating various stages of RNA expression. The five core areas of research are the role of m6A in the hypoxic tumor microenvironment, metabolic reprogramming, the immune microenvironment, resistance mechanisms, and interactions with non-coding RNAs. This study employed a qualitative literature review methodology that consolidated findings to highlight m6A's regulatory mechanisms and therapeutic implications. Results confirmed the pivotal role of m6A in hypoxic adaptation, metabolic modulation, immune evasion, chemoresistance, and ncRNA interactions, offering important insights into PC pathogenesis. While this research identifies m6A as a promising therapeutic target and prognostic marker, future studies must explore its role in diverse patient populations and complex molecular networks