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Breast Cancer and the Other Non-Coding RNAs
Dana Dvorská1, Dušan Braný1, Marcela Ňachajová2
1Biomedical Center Martin, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, 036 01 Martin, Slovakia.
Abstract:
Breast cancer is very heterogenous and the most common gynaecological cancer, with various factors affecting its development. While its impact on human lives and national health budgets is still rising in almost all global areas, many molecular mechanisms affecting its onset and development remain unclear. Conventional treatments still prove inadequate in some aspects, and appropriate molecular therapeutic targets are required for improved outcomes. Recent scientific interest has therefore focused on the non-coding RNAs roles in tumour development and their potential as therapeutic targets. These RNAs comprise the majority of the human transcript and their broad action mechanisms range from gene silencing to chromatin remodelling. Many non-coding RNAs also have altered expression in breast cancer cell lines and tissues, and this is often connected with increased proliferation, a degraded extracellular environment, and higher endothelial to mesenchymal transition. Herein, we summarise the known abnormalities in the function and expression of long non-coding RNAs, Piwi interacting RNAs, small nucleolar RNAs and small nuclear RNAs in breast cancer, and how these abnormalities affect the development of this deadly disease. Finally, the use of RNA interference to suppress breast cancer growth is summarised.
Insights
Non-coding RNAs play a crucial role in breast cancer development. Understanding their altered functions and expression, including long non-coding RNAs and Piwi interacting RNAs, offers new therapeutic targets for this heterogeneous cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Breast cancer is a highly heterogeneous malignancy with significant global health and economic impact.
- Many molecular mechanisms underlying breast cancer onset and progression remain poorly understood.
- Current treatments are insufficient for some patients, highlighting the need for novel molecular therapeutic targets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the known abnormalities in the function and expression of various non-coding RNAs in breast cancer.
- To elucidate how these non-coding RNA alterations contribute to breast cancer development.
- To summarize the potential of RNA interference as a therapeutic strategy for breast cancer.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on non-coding RNAs in breast cancer.
- Analysis of studies investigating long non-coding RNAs, Piwi interacting RNAs, small nucleolar RNAs, and small nuclear RNAs.
- Examination of research on RNA interference for breast cancer treatment.
Main Results:
- Non-coding RNAs, including lncRNAs, piRNAs, snoRNAs, and snRNAs, exhibit altered expression and function in breast cancer.
- These abnormalities are linked to increased proliferation, extracellular matrix degradation, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition.
- RNA interference shows promise in suppressing breast cancer growth.
Conclusions:
- Aberrant non-coding RNA expression is a key feature of breast cancer.
- Targeting non-coding RNAs presents a promising avenue for novel breast cancer therapies.
- RNA interference offers a potential strategy to combat breast cancer progression.
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