Methyltransferase-like 3 modifications of RNAs: Implications for the pathology in the endocrine system.

ABSTRACT

Methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) is the most well-known element of N6-methyladenosine modification on RNAs. METTL3 deposits a methyl group onto target RNAs to modify their expression, ultimately regulating various physiological and pathological events. Numerous studies have suggested the significant role of METTL3 in endocrine dysfunction and related disorders. However, reviews that summarize and interpret these studies are lacking. In this review, we systematically analyze such studies, including obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), T2DM-induced diseases, pancreatic cancer, and thyroid carcinoma. This review indicates that METTL3 contributes remarkably to the endocrine dysfunction and progression of obesity, T2DM, T2DM-induced diseases, pancreatic cancer, and thyroid carcinoma. In conclusion, this review provides a comprehensive interpretation of the mechanism via which METTL3 functions on RNAs and regulates various endocrine dysfunction events and suggest potential associated correlations. Our review, thus, provides a valuable reference for further fundamental studies and clinical applications.