Dual Effects of Non-Coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in Cancer Stem Cell Biology

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are key drivers of carcinogenesis, exhibiting self-renewal, migration, and invasion.
• CSC plasticity presents challenges in identifying reliable biomarkers for characterization and therapeutic targeting.
• Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) play critical regulatory roles in maintaining CSC phenotypes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the multifaceted contributions of ncRNAs in sustaining CSC traits.
• To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying ncRNA action in various CSC types.
• To explore the potential of CSC-related ncRNAs as diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic biomarkers.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on ncRNAs (miRNAs, lncRNAs, circRNAs) and their roles in CSCs.
• Analysis of signaling pathways (Notch, Wnt, Hedgehog) regulated by ncRNAs in CSCs.
• Evaluation of evidence supporting ncRNAs as CSC biomarkers.

Main Results:

• ncRNAs critically regulate CSC self-renewal, migration, and invasion.
• Specific ncRNAs interfere with key signaling pathways essential for CSC phenotype maintenance.
• Diverse ncRNA classes, including miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs, are implicated in CSC biology.

Conclusions:

• ncRNAs are pivotal in sustaining CSC-like traits through intricate molecular mechanisms.
• CSC-related ncRNAs hold significant promise as biomarkers for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy.
• Targeting ncRNAs offers a potential therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment.