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Involvement of noncoding RNAs in epigenetic modifications of esophageal cancer

Yuhang Xiao1, Min Su2, Wei Ou3

  • 1Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, PR China.

Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & Pharmacotherapie
|August 8, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Noncoding RNAs, like long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs), play a key role in the epigenetic regulation of esophageal cancer (EC). This review highlights their involvement in EC development and progression.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Epigenetics
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Esophageal cancer (EC) is a significant cause of cancer mortality.
  • Epigenetic alterations, including DNA methylation and histone modifications, are implicated in EC gene expression.
  • Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are emerging as critical players in EC's epigenetic landscape.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advancements in understanding the epigenetic roles of noncoding RNAs in esophageal cancer.
  • To elucidate how lncRNAs and miRNAs contribute to EC development and progression through epigenetic mechanisms.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on recent studies.
  • Analysis of research on noncoding RNA functions in esophageal cancer epigenetics.
  • Synthesis of findings on DNA methylation, histone modifications, and ncRNA interactions.

Main Results:

  • Noncoding RNAs, particularly lncRNAs and miRNAs, are integral to epigenetic regulation in EC.
  • These ncRNAs influence gene expression patterns critical for EC pathogenesis.
  • Specific ncRNAs have been identified as key mediators of epigenetic changes in EC.

Conclusions:

  • Noncoding RNAs represent a crucial layer of epigenetic control in esophageal cancer.
  • Targeting ncRNA-mediated epigenetic pathways offers potential therapeutic strategies for EC.
  • Further research into ncRNA-epigenetic interactions is vital for advancing EC treatment.
Keywords:
DNA methylationEpigenetic alterationEsophageal cancerHistone modificationNoncoding RNAlncRNAmiRNA

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