Long noncoding RNAs and their link to cancer

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Genomics
• Epigenetics

Background:

• The central dogma describes RNA as an information intermediate, but non-protein coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are essential for gene expression.
• ncRNAs are classified by size; short ncRNAs (<200 nt) are well-studied, while long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs; 200 nt–100 kb) are gaining attention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the growing importance and diverse functions of lncRNAs in biological processes.
• To underscore the potential of lncRNAs as biomarkers and drug targets in oncology.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on ncRNA classification and function.
• Analysis of lncRNA roles in gene regulation, cellular homeostasis, and disease.

Main Results:

• lncRNAs regulate gene expression, epigenetic control, transcription, and post-transcription.
• They influence cellular functions like proliferation, migration, and genomic stability.
• lncRNAs interact with DNA, RNA, and proteins, affecting chromatin organization.

Conclusions:

• lncRNAs are critical regulators of diverse biological functions and cellular homeostasis.
• Differential expression of lncRNAs in tumors suggests their involvement in cancer development.
• lncRNAs represent promising targets for cancer biomarkers and therapeutics.