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Updated: Dec 25, 2025

Studying Triple Negative Breast Cancer Using Orthotopic Breast Cancer Model
Published on: March 20, 2020
Systematic characterization of non-coding RNAs in triple-negative breast cancer
Jie Mei1, Leiyu Hao2, Huiyu Wang1
1Department of Oncology, Wuxi People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China.
Abstract:
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is one of the most aggressive subtypes of breast cancer with negativity for oestrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER2). Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) make up most of the transcriptome and are widely present in eukaryotic cells. In recent years, emerging evidence suggests that ncRNAs, mainly microRNAs (miRNAs), long ncRNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs), play prominent roles in the tumorigenesis and development of TNBC, but the functions of most ncRNAs have not been fully described. In this review, we systematically elucidate the general characteristics and biogenesis of miRNAs, lncRNAs and circRNAs, discuss the emerging functions of these ncRNAs in TNBC and present future perspectives in clinical practice.
Insights
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is aggressive. This review details non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), and their roles in TNBC.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive breast cancer subtype lacking ER, PR, and HER2 expression.
- Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) constitute a significant portion of the transcriptome and are implicated in various cellular processes.
- The specific roles of most ncRNAs in TNBC tumorigenesis remain largely undefined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the characteristics and biogenesis of key ncRNAs (miRNAs, lncRNAs, circRNAs).
- To discuss the emerging functions of these ncRNAs in the context of TNBC development and progression.
- To explore future clinical applications and research perspectives for ncRNAs in TNBC.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review focusing on ncRNAs in TNBC.
- Analysis of existing data on miRNA, lncRNA, and circRNA biogenesis and function.
- Synthesis of current research on ncRNA involvement in TNBC tumorigenesis.
Main Results:
- Detailed overview of miRNA, lncRNA, and circRNA biogenesis and general characteristics.
- Compilation of evidence highlighting the significant roles of these ncRNAs in TNBC.
- Identification of knowledge gaps regarding the precise functions of many ncRNAs in TNBC.
Conclusions:
- ncRNAs, particularly miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs, are crucial players in TNBC.
- Further research into ncRNA functions is essential for understanding TNBC pathogenesis.
- Targeting ncRNAs holds promise for future TNBC diagnostics and therapeutics.
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