The interaction between miRNAs/lncRNAs and Notch pathway in human disorders

Soudeh Ghafouri-Fard1, Mark C Glassy2, Atefe Abak3

  • 1Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

Insights

This review explores how long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) interact with the Notch pathway. These interactions are crucial in both cancer development and non-neoplastic conditions, influencing cell behavior.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • The Notch pathway is a critical signaling cascade regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, development, and tissue homeostasis.
  • This pathway influences stem cell properties, impacting both normal development and cancer metastasis.
  • Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) are known regulators or targets of the Notch pathway.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To illuminate the intricate interplay between lncRNAs, miRNAs, and the Notch pathway.
  • To examine these interactions within the contexts of both cancer and non-neoplastic conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies investigating lncRNA-Notch and miRNA-Notch interactions.
  • Synthesis of findings on specific lncRNAs (e.g., FOXD2-AS1, HOTAIR) and miRNAs (e.g., miR-19, miR-146a) involved.
  • Categorization of interactions based on their role in cancers and non-neoplastic diseases.

Main Results:

  • Numerous lncRNAs, including FOXD2-AS1, MEG3, ANRIL, and HOTAIR, directly interact with the Notch signaling pathway.
  • A variety of miRNAs, such as miR-19, miR-21, miR-34a, and miR-146a, functionally interplay with Notch signaling.
  • These regulatory interactions are significant in both the progression of cancers and the pathophysiology of non-neoplastic conditions.

Conclusions:

  • lncRNAs and miRNAs are key modulators of Notch pathway activity.
  • Understanding these regulatory networks is vital for deciphering disease mechanisms in both cancer and non-neoplastic settings.
  • Further research into lncRNA-miRNA-Notch axis offers potential therapeutic avenues.

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