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.

Cell Proliferation
|April 7, 2020
PubMed

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.

Related Concept Videos

lncRNA - Long Non-coding RNAs02:39

lncRNA - Long Non-coding RNAs

In humans, more than 80% of the genome gets transcribed. However, only around 2% of the genome codes for proteins. The remaining part produces non-coding RNAs which includes ribosomal RNAs, transfer RNAs, telomerase RNAs, and regulatory RNAs, among other types. A large number of regulatory non-coding RNAs have been classified into two groups depending upon their length – small non-coding RNAs, such as microRNA, which are less than 200 nucleotides in length, and long non-coding RNA...
9.6K
lncRNA - Long Non-coding RNAs02:39

lncRNA - Long Non-coding RNAs

3.3K
The Nucleolus02:55

The Nucleolus

The nucleolus is the most prominent substructure of the nucleus. When it was first discovered, it was considered to be an isolated organelle that forms fibrils and granules. In 1931, the relationship between the nucleolus and chromosomes was first described by Heitz. He observed that the appearance and size of nucleolus varies depending on the stage of the cell cycle. He also noticed constricted regions on different chromosomes clustered together at definite cell cycle stages. These regions,...
10.1K
MicroRNAs01:22

MicroRNAs

MicroRNA (miRNA) are short, regulatory RNA transcribed from introns (non-coding regions of a gene) or intergenic regions (stretches of DNA present between genes). Several processing steps are required to form biologically active, mature miRNA. The initial transcript, called primary miRNA (pri-mRNA), base-pairs with itself, forming a stem-loop structure. Within the nucleus, an endonuclease enzyme, called Drosha, shortens the stem-loop structure into hairpin-shaped pre-miRNA. After the pre-miRNA...
3.6K
MicroRNAs01:22

MicroRNAs

MicroRNA (miRNA) are short, regulatory RNA transcribed from introns—non-coding regions of a gene—or intergenic regions—stretches of DNA present between genes. Several processing steps are required to form biologically active, mature miRNA. The initial transcript, called primary miRNA (pri-mRNA), base-pairs with itself forming a stem-loop structure. Within the nucleus, an endonuclease enzyme, called Drosha, shortens the stem-loop structure into hairpin-shaped pre-miRNA. After...
23.8K