Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 18, 2026
Detection of Rare Mutations in CtDNA Using Next Generation Sequencing
Published on: August 24, 2017
The non-coding oncogene: a case of missing DNA evidence?
1Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg Gothenburg, Sweden.
Abstract:
The evidence that links classical protein-coding proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressors, such as MYC, RAS, P53, and RB, to carcinogenesis is indisputable. Multiple lines of proof show how random somatic genomic alteration of such genes (e.g., mutation, deletion, or amplification), followed by selection and clonal expansion, forms the main molecular basis of tumor development. Many important cancer genes were discovered using low-throughput approaches in the pre-genomic era, and this knowledge is today solidified and expanded upon by modern genome-scale methodologies. In several recent studies, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), such as microRNAs and long ncRNAs (lncRNAs), have been shown to contribute to tumor development. However, in comparison with coding cancer genes, the genomic (DNA-level) evidence is sparse for ncRNAs. The coding proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressors that we know of today are major molecular hubs in both normal and malignant cells. The search for ncRNAs with tumor driver or suppressor roles therefore holds the additional promise of pinpointing important, biologically active, ncRNAs in a vast and largely uncharacterized non-coding transcriptome. Here, we assess the available DNA-level data that links non-coding genes to tumor development. We further consider historical, methodological, and biological aspects, and discuss future prospects of ncRNAs in cancer.
Insights
Genomic alterations in non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are increasingly linked to cancer development. This study reviews DNA-level evidence for ncRNAs
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genomics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Classical proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressors (e.g., MYC, RAS, P53) are well-established drivers of carcinogenesis through genomic alterations.
- Modern genome-scale methods solidify and expand upon knowledge gained from pre-genomic era discoveries.
- Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs and long ncRNAs (lncRNAs), are implicated in tumor development, but genomic evidence is less extensive than for coding genes.
Approach:
- This review assesses available DNA-level data linking non-coding genes to tumor development.
- It considers historical, methodological, and biological factors relevant to ncRNA research in cancer.
- Future prospects for investigating ncRNAs in cancer are discussed.
Key Points:
- While coding cancer genes are extensively studied, the genomic role of ncRNAs in tumorigenesis requires further investigation.
- Identifying ncRNAs with tumor suppressor or driver functions could reveal critical molecular players in the largely uncharacterized non-coding transcriptome.
- DNA-level evidence is crucial for understanding the direct impact of genomic alterations on ncRNA function in cancer.
Conclusions:
- The study highlights the need for more genomic research into the role of ncRNAs in cancer.
- Pinpointing functionally significant ncRNAs offers potential for new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
- Understanding the genomic basis of ncRNA involvement in cancer is a promising area for future research.
More Related Videos
09:16Investigation of the Transcriptional Role of a RUNX1 Intronic Silencer by CRISPR/Cas9 Ribonucleoprotein in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells
Published on: September 1, 2019
07:17Wild-type Blocking PCR Combined with Sanger Sequencing for Detection of Low-frequency Somatic Mutation
Published on: August 23, 2024
Related Concept Videos
01:33Cancer-Critical Genes I: Proto-oncogenes
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
01:33Cancer-Critical Genes I: Proto-oncogenes
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
01:12Loss of Tumor Suppressor Gene Functions
When the tumor suppressor genes develop mutations or are lost, cells start growing out of control, leading to cancer. However, a single functional copy of the tumor suppressor gene is enough for the cells to maintain their normal functions and cell...
01:12Loss of Tumor Suppressor Gene Functions
When the tumor suppressor genes develop mutations or are lost, cells start growing out of control, leading to cancer. However, a single functional copy of the tumor suppressor gene is enough for the cells to maintain their normal functions and cell...
01:05Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
01:05Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...