Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 27, 2026
Oncogene Expression Analysis with Alterations in pH in a Pancreatic Ductal Cell Line
Published on: April 11, 2025
Lin28: an emerging important oncogene connecting several aspects of cancer
Hao Wang1, Qin Zhao1, Kaiyuan Deng1
1Department of General Surgery and Translational Medicine Center, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Wuxi Second Hospital, Wuxi, 214002, Jiangsu, China.
Abstract:
RNA-binding protein Lin28 was originally found as a heterochronic gene which played a significant role in the development of Caenorhabditis elegans. The tumor suppressor let-7 is a downstream target of Lin28, which has a wide variety of target genes which are involved in many aspects of cellular activities. By inhibition of let-7 and directly binding the target RNAs, Lin28 plays an important role in different biological and pathological processes including differentiation, metabolism, proliferation, pluripotency, and tumorigenesis. Overexpression of Lin28 has been reported in several kinds of cancers and is correlated with poor outcomes. It has been shown that Lin28 could affect the progression of cancers in several ways, such as promoting proliferation, increasing glucose metabolism, and inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer stem cells. Decrease of Lin28 expression or reactivation of let-7 in cancer cells could induce a reverse effect, indicating their therapeutic values in developing novel strategies for cancer treatment. Here, we will overview the regulatory mechanisms and functions of Lin28 in cancers.
Insights
The RNA-binding protein Lin28 regulates the let-7 tumor suppressor, impacting cell activities. Lin28 overexpression in cancer promotes proliferation and progression, suggesting therapeutic potential.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Lin28, an RNA-binding protein, is a key regulator in development and cellular processes.
- Lin28 inhibits the let-7 tumor suppressor miRNA, affecting numerous downstream targets.
- Aberrant Lin28 expression is linked to various cancers and poor patient prognoses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the regulatory mechanisms of Lin28 in cancer.
- To elucidate the multifaceted functions of Lin28 in tumorigenesis.
- To explore the therapeutic potential of targeting Lin28 or let-7 in cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on Lin28 and cancer.
- Analysis of Lin28's role in cellular processes like proliferation and metabolism.
- Examination of Lin28's involvement in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer stem cells.
Main Results:
- Lin28 promotes cancer progression by enhancing proliferation, glucose metabolism, EMT, and cancer stem cell populations.
- Lin28's overexpression correlates with adverse outcomes in multiple cancer types.
- Inhibition of Lin28 or restoration of let-7 can reverse oncogenic effects.
Conclusions:
- Lin28 is a critical oncogene with diverse roles in cancer development and progression.
- Targeting Lin28 or reactivating let-7 pathways presents promising therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment.
- Further research into Lin28 regulatory networks is crucial for developing effective cancer therapies.
Related Concept Videos
03:03mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression
The mTOR pathway or the...
03:03mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression
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
01:33Cancer-Critical Genes I: Proto-oncogenes
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...