Long Non-Coding RNAs As Epigenetic Regulators in Cancer

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Genetics
• Cancer Research

Background:

• Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are abundant transcripts regulating diverse cellular processes.
• They function by interacting with DNA, RNA, and proteins, influencing gene expression at multiple levels.
• lncRNAs are transcribed by RNA polymerase II and share similarities with messenger RNAs (mRNAs).

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the roles and molecular mechanisms of lncRNAs.
• To explore the correlation between lncRNAs and various cancers.
• To highlight the potential of lncRNAs in cancer diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing research on lncRNAs.
• Analysis of molecular mechanisms underlying lncRNA function.
• Examination of lncRNA dysregulation in cancer development and progression.

Main Results:

• lncRNAs play crucial regulatory roles in genomic imprinting, epigenetics, cell cycle, apoptosis, and differentiation.
• Aberrant lncRNA expression is implicated in human diseases, especially cancer, affecting proliferation and differentiation.
• lncRNAs exhibit potential as biomarkers for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic strategies.

Conclusions:

• lncRNAs are key regulators of cellular functions and gene expression.
• Dysregulated lncRNAs are associated with human cancers, impacting disease progression.
• lncRNAs hold significant promise as diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets in oncology.