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Non-coding RNAs in cancer: platforms and strategies for investigating the genomic "dark matter"
Katia Grillone1, Caterina Riillo1,2, Francesca Scionti1
1Laboratory of Translational Medical Oncology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Salvatore Venuta University Campus, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy.
Abstract:
The discovery of the role of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in the onset and progression of malignancies is a promising frontier of cancer genetics. It is clear that ncRNAs are candidates for therapeutic intervention, since they may act as biomarkers or key regulators of cancer gene network. Recently, profiling and sequencing of ncRNAs disclosed deep deregulation in human cancers mostly due to aberrant mechanisms of ncRNAs biogenesis, such as amplification, deletion, abnormal epigenetic or transcriptional regulation. Although dysregulated ncRNAs may promote hallmarks of cancer as oncogenes or antagonize them as tumor suppressors, the mechanisms behind these events remain to be clarified. The development of new bioinformatic tools as well as novel molecular technologies is a challenging opportunity to disclose the role of the "dark matter" of the genome. In this review, we focus on currently available platforms, computational analyses and experimental strategies to investigate ncRNAs in cancer. We highlight the differences among experimental approaches aimed to dissect miRNAs and lncRNAs, which are the most studied ncRNAs. These two classes indeed need different investigation taking into account their intrinsic characteristics, such as length, structures and also the interacting molecules. Finally, we discuss the relevance of ncRNAs in clinical practice by considering promises and challenges behind the bench to bedside translation.
Insights
Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are key regulators in cancer development and progression. This review explores methods to investigate ncRNAs, their clinical relevance, and challenges in cancer research.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) play crucial roles in cancer genetics, acting as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
- Deregulation of ncRNAs in human cancers arises from aberrant biogenesis mechanisms, including epigenetic and transcriptional alterations.
- Dysregulated ncRNAs can function as oncogenes or tumor suppressors, but underlying mechanisms require further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current platforms, computational analyses, and experimental strategies for investigating ncRNAs in cancer.
- To highlight differences in experimental approaches for studying microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) based on their characteristics.
- To discuss the clinical relevance and bench-to-bedside translation challenges of ncRNAs in cancer.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature and technologies for ncRNA profiling and sequencing.
- Comparative analysis of experimental strategies for miRNAs and lncRNAs.
- Discussion of bioinformatic tools and molecular technologies for genome "dark matter" investigation.
Main Results:
- ncRNAs are significantly deregulated in human cancers due to various aberrant biogenesis mechanisms.
- Different classes of ncRNAs, such as miRNAs and lncRNAs, require distinct investigation methods.
- Significant potential exists for ncRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic agents in oncology.
Conclusions:
- Investigating ncRNAs is crucial for understanding cancer genetics and developing novel therapies.
- Advancements in bioinformatic and molecular tools are essential for deciphering ncRNA functions.
- Translating ncRNA research from the lab to clinical practice presents both opportunities and challenges.
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