[5] METTL3 is located on the human chromosome 14q11.2 (Cancer Biology) and out of the METTL protein family, it is the most studied.

This enzyme is involved in the post-transcriptional methylation of internal adenosine residues in eukaryotic mRNAs, forming N6-methyladenosine (m6A).

The enzyme is also responsible for mechanisms related to tumor development, RNA stability and maturation, and has suggested roles in ensuring animal survival.

[6] In the m6a methyltransferase complex (MTC), METTL3 is a part of the m6A “writers” and is a core catalytic component.

In pancreatic cancer, METTL3 expression applies m6a modifications onto the oncogene primary miR-25, provoking malignant transformation via enhanced maturation of the miRNA.