Polyamines as emerging regulators of RNA biology: linking the epitranscriptome, translation, hypusination and post-transcriptional gene regulation

We used to think of polyamines as simple stabilisers for our genetic material. In actuality, these microscopic molecules play a critical role in a deeper level of genetic control. According to recent studies, these tiny cationic molecules may also be responsible for epitranscriptomic modifications, alterations to RNA molecules that impact the outcomes of gene expression, in addition to stabilising nucleic acids. This review highlights the importance of polyamine research and its potential relevance to the pathways of RNA modification such as m6A, m5C, pseudouridine, m1A and ac4C, and also covers the indirect effect of polyamine-dependent hypusination on translational control. It showcases how these modifications influence stem cell function, inducing immunological triggers and even accelerating the development of cancer. As we can see, polyamines are becoming more and more potent controllers of cell fate decisions by tying metabolism and RNA dynamics together. This overlooked link provides important perceptions into the systems and significant possibilities for treatment. Ultimately, this work redefines our understanding of RNA regulation, viewing the epitranscriptome not as a static blueprint but as a system that responds to metabolism. It acts as an evolving interface where a cell’s internal chemistry directly dictates its genetic and functional identity. This new method, which spans developmental biology and disease pathology, presents a positive outlook for regenerative medicine and more focused cancer therapies, as well as an interesting new prospect for focused study.