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Long intergenic noncoding RNAs: new links in cancer progression

Miao-Chih Tsai1, Robert C Spitale, Howard Y Chang

  • 1Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Program in Epithelial Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA.

Cancer Research
|January 5, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Long intergenic noncoding RNAs (lincRNAs) play a key role in cancer progression and metastasis. These molecules offer potential for improved cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and novel therapeutic strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Cancer metastasis is a complex, multi-step process.
  • Noncoding RNAs, particularly long intergenic noncoding RNAs (lincRNAs), are increasingly recognized for their roles in cancer progression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a perspective on recent findings concerning noncoding transcription in cancer.
  • To highlight the emerging significance of lincRNAs in cancer metastasis.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current research on lincRNAs in cancer progression.
  • Analysis of lincRNA mechanisms targeting gene expression.

Main Results:

  • LincRNAs function by interacting with chromatin modifiers or RNA-binding proteins.
  • Distinct lincRNA expression profiles are observed in primary tumors versus metastases, similar to microRNAs (miRNAs).

Conclusions:

  • LincRNAs represent promising biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis.
  • LincRNAs are potential targets for developing new cancer therapies.

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