Digestive system tumors have been reported in more than 25% of all cancer cases worldwide, bringing a huge burden on the healthcare system. RNA methylation modification—an important post-transcriptional modification—has become an active research area in gene regulation. It is a dynamic and reversible process involving several enzymes, such as methyltransferases, demethylases, and methylation reader proteins. This review provides insights into the role of three major methylation modifications, namely m6A, m5C, and m1A, in the development of digestive system tumors, specifically in the development of tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) of these malignancies. Abnormal methylation modification affects immunosuppression and antitumor immune response by regulating the recruitment of immune cells and the release of immune factors. Understanding the mechanisms by which RNA methylation regulates digestive system tumors will be helpful in exploring new therapeutic targets.

N6-Methyladenosine

5-Methylcytosine

N1-Methyladenosine

Digestive system tumors

Immune microenvironment

© 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier GmbH.