Long non-coding RNAs at work on telomeres: Functions and implications in cancer therapy

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Genetics
• Oncology

Background:

• Cancer cells achieve limitless replicative potential through telomere maintenance, unlike normal somatic cells where telomere shortening triggers senescence.
• Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are key regulators of biological processes, including cancer development and progression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the roles of two specific lncRNAs, TERC and TERRA, in human cancer.
• To discuss their implications in telomere length maintenance and their potential as therapeutic targets in precision oncology.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on TERC and TERRA in human cancer.
• Analysis of their mechanisms in telomere elongation and regulation.
• Examination of current and emerging anticancer therapeutic applications.

Main Results:

• TERC (telomerase RNA component) acts as a template for telomeric DNA synthesis within the telomerase complex.
• TERRA (telomeric repeat-containing RNA) is transcribed from subtelomeric regions and influences telomere length.
• Both TERC and TERRA play significant roles in cancer cell immortality and are implicated in therapeutic strategies.

Conclusions:

• TERC and TERRA are critical lncRNAs involved in cancer cell telomere maintenance.
• Targeting these lncRNAs holds promise for developing novel anticancer therapies within the scope of precision oncology.