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Non-Coding RNAs Operate in the Crosstalk Between Cancer Metabolic Reprogramming and Metastasis
Ziyi Li1, Xueying Sun1,2
1The Hepatosplenic Surgery Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.
Abstract:
Metastasis, the spread of cancer cells from a primary tumor to a secondary site, represents one of the hallmarks of malignancies and the leading cause of cancer-related death. The process of metastasis is a result of the interaction of genetic heterogeneity, abnormal metabolism, and tumor microenvironments. On the other hand, metabolic reprogramming, another malignancy hallmark, refers to the ability of cancer cells to alter metabolic and nutrient acquisition modes in order to support the energy demands for accomplishing the rapid growth, dissemination, and colonization. Cancer cells remodel metabolic patterns to supplement nutrients for their metastasis and also undergo metabolic adjustments at different stages of metastasis. Genes and signaling pathways involved in tumor metabolic reprogramming crosstalk with those participating in metastasis. Non-coding RNAs are a group of RNA molecules that do not code proteins but have pivotal biological functions. Some of microRNAs and lncRNAs, which are the two most extensively studied non-coding RNAs, have been identified to participate in regulating metabolic remodeling of glucose, lipid, glutamine, oxidative phosphorylation, and mitochondrial respiration, as well as the process of metastasis involving cell motility, transit in the circulation and growth at a new site. This article reviews recent progress on non-coding RNAs operating in the crosstalk between tumor metabolic reprogramming and metastasis, particularly those influencing metastasis through regulating metabolism, and the underlying mechanisms of how they exert their regulatory functions.
Insights
Non-coding RNAs regulate the crosstalk between cancer metabolic reprogramming and metastasis. These molecules influence cancer cell spread by altering metabolism, impacting tumor growth and survival.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Metastasis, the spread of cancer, is a hallmark of malignancy and the primary cause of cancer death.
- Metabolic reprogramming, crucial for cancer growth and dissemination, involves altered nutrient acquisition and energy demands.
- Tumor metabolic reprogramming and metastasis are interconnected processes influenced by genetic and environmental factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in understanding non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) involved in the crosstalk between tumor metabolic reprogramming and metastasis.
- To highlight ncRNAs that regulate metastasis by modulating cancer cell metabolism.
- To elucidate the mechanisms by which ncRNAs exert their regulatory functions in this context.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent scientific progress.
- Focus on microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs).
- Analysis of ncRNA roles in regulating metabolic pathways (glucose, lipid, glutamine, oxidative phosphorylation) and metastatic processes (motility, circulation, colonization).
Main Results:
- Non-coding RNAs, including miRNAs and lncRNAs, play pivotal roles in regulating metabolic reprogramming.
- These ncRNAs significantly influence various stages of metastasis, from cell motility to colonization.
- A strong crosstalk exists between metabolic pathways and metastatic processes, mediated by ncRNAs.
Conclusions:
- Non-coding RNAs are key regulators in the intricate relationship between tumor metabolic reprogramming and metastasis.
- Targeting ncRNAs offers potential therapeutic strategies for inhibiting cancer metastasis.
- Further research into ncRNA mechanisms can uncover novel avenues for cancer treatment.
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