METTL3 plays multiple functions in biological processes.

Abstract

N⁶-methyladenosine (m⁶A) is the most common internal modification of mRNAs in higher eukaryotic. This process is performed by methyltransferase. Methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) is the best known m⁶A methyltransferase that functions in the reversible epi-transcriptome modulation of m⁶A modification. Besides acting as a m⁶A methyltransferase, METTL3 also regulates mRNA translation and other biological processes. In recent years, studies have identified numerous roles and molecular mechanisms associated with METTL3 in multiple biological processes. However, these findings have not been summarized. In this review, we have systematically summarized the most recent important roles of METTL3 in various biological processes, including cell cycle progression, cell proliferation, cell apoptosis, cell migration and invasion, cell differentiation and inflammatory response. In addition, we discuss the prospect of using a METTL3 as a new diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for human cancers.