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The interplay of long non-coding RNAs and MYC in cancer
Michael J Hamilton1, Matthew D Young1, Silvia Sauer1
1Department of Biochemistry, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA.
Abstract:
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a class of RNA molecules that are changing how researchers view eukaryotic gene regulation. Once considered to be non-functional products of low-level aberrant transcription from non-coding regions of the genome, lncRNAs are now viewed as important epigenetic regulators and several lncRNAs have now been demonstrated to be critical players in the development and/or maintenance of cancer. Similarly, the emerging variety of interactions between lncRNAs and MYC, a well-known oncogenic transcription factor linked to most types of cancer, have caught the attention of many biomedical researchers. Investigations exploring the dynamic interactions between lncRNAs and MYC, referred to as the lncRNA-MYC network, have proven to be especially complex. Genome-wide studies have shown that MYC transcriptionally regulates many lncRNA genes. Conversely, recent reports identified lncRNAs that regulate MYC expression both at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. These findings are of particular interest because they suggest roles of lncRNAs as regulators of MYC oncogenic functions and the possibility that targeting lncRNAs could represent a novel avenue to cancer treatment. Here, we briefly review the current understanding of how lncRNAs regulate chromatin structure and gene transcription, and then focus on the new developments in the emerging field exploring the lncRNA-MYC network in cancer.
Insights
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) regulate gene expression and are key in cancer. The complex lncRNA-MYC network offers potential new cancer treatment strategies by targeting these interactions.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Epigenetics
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) were once considered non-functional but are now recognized as crucial epigenetic regulators in eukaryotic gene regulation.
- Several lncRNAs play critical roles in cancer development and maintenance.
- The oncogenic transcription factor MYC is implicated in most cancers, leading to research into its interactions with lncRNAs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of lncRNA roles in chromatin structure and gene transcription.
- To focus on recent developments in the lncRNA-MYC network within the context of cancer.
- To highlight the potential of targeting lncRNAs for novel cancer therapeutics.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on lncRNA function and epigenetic regulation.
- Analysis of genome-wide studies on MYC's transcriptional regulation of lncRNAs.
- Examination of studies identifying lncRNAs that regulate MYC expression.
Main Results:
- MYC transcriptionally regulates numerous lncRNA genes.
- Specific lncRNAs have been identified that regulate MYC expression at both transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels.
- These interactions form a complex regulatory network with implications for cancer biology.
Conclusions:
- lncRNAs are emerging as critical regulators of MYC oncogenic functions.
- The lncRNA-MYC network presents a promising area for developing novel cancer treatment strategies.
- Targeting lncRNAs could offer a new therapeutic avenue for various cancers.
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