LAUSR

Carcinogenesis as a complicated process originates from genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors. Recent studies have reported a potential critical role for the fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene in carcinogenesis through different signaling pathways such as mRNA N6-methyladenosine (m6-A) demethylation. The most common internal modification in mammalian mRNAs is the m6-A RNA methylation that has a significant biological functioning through regulation of cancer-related cellular processes. Some environmental factors, like physical activity and dietary intake, may influence signaling pathways engaged in carcinogenesis, through regulating FTO gene expression. Also, people with FTO gene polymorphisms may be differently influenced by cancer risk factors. For example, FTO risk allele carriers may need higher intake of nutrients to prevent cancer than others. In order to obtain a deeper viewpoint of the FTO, lifestyle, and cancer-related pathway interactions, this review aims to discuss upstream and downstream pathways associated with the FTO gene and cancer.