Natural products: Potential targets of TME related long non-coding RNAs in lung cancer

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Lung cancer remains a major global health challenge with high mortality.
• Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are increasingly recognized as critical regulators of cancer stem cells (CSCs) within the tumor microenvironment (TME).
• Natural products show potential in modulating TME functions and impacting cancer progression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify tumor microenvironment (TME)-related long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) as novel therapeutic targets.
• To explore the potential of natural compounds in managing lung cancer through targeting lncRNAs and cancer stem cells (CSCs).

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature review was conducted using keywords related to TME, lung CSCs, lncRNAs, natural products, and targeted delivery.
• Databases searched included Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar.
• The review focused on the role of CSCs in reprogramming the lung TME and the impact of natural products on these processes.

Main Results:

• Tumor microenvironment (TME)-associated oncogenic and tumor suppressor lncRNAs and their pathways are crucial for maintaining stemness in lung cancer.
• Natural phenolic compounds like curcumin, genistein, quercetin, epigallocatechin gallate, and ginsenoside Rh2 effectively manage lung CSCs.
• These compounds modulate lncRNAs and upstream mediators via signaling and epigenetic pathways, with nanotechnology offering enhanced delivery.

Conclusions:

• Tumor microenvironment (TME)-related lncRNAs represent promising therapeutic targets for lung cancer.
• Natural product-based therapies hold potential for treating metastatic and drug-resistant lung cancers by targeting these lncRNAs.
• Further development of natural product therapeutics is warranted for effective lung cancer management.