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Long noncoding RNAs: fine-tuners hidden in the cancer signaling network

Shanshan Zhao1, Xue Zhang2, Shuo Chen3

  • 1Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Diseases and Fertility Remodeling of Liaoning Province, Reproductive Medicine Center, Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Shengjing Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University, 110022, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.

Cell Death Discovery
|October 12, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are increasingly recognized for their role in cancer by fine-tuning critical signaling pathways. This review highlights key lncRNA-modulated pathways driving cancer progression.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) were once dismissed as "junk RNA" but are now known to be crucial regulators in biological processes.
  • Dysregulation of lncRNAs is frequently observed in various cancers, impacting disease initiation and progression.
  • Signaling pathways are fundamental to cellular activities, and their aberrant transduction is a hallmark of cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current understanding of how long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) modulate key signaling pathways in cancer.
  • To highlight the versatile roles of lncRNAs in fine-tuning oncogenic signaling.
  • To provide an up-to-date perspective on lncRNAs in cancer biology.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on peer-reviewed research articles.
  • Analysis of studies investigating the functional roles of lncRNAs in cancer-related signaling pathways.
  • Synthesis of findings on lncRNA involvement in tumorigenesis and cancer progression.

Main Results:

  • lncRNAs play significant roles in regulating multiple cancer-associated signaling pathways.
  • These lncRNAs can act as oncogenes or tumor suppressors by modulating signal transduction.
  • Emerging evidence indicates lncRNAs are critical drivers of malignant phenotypes.

Conclusions:

  • lncRNAs are vital regulators of signaling pathways implicated in cancer.
  • Further research into lncRNA functions is essential for understanding cancer development and for therapeutic strategies.
  • lncRNAs represent a promising area for novel cancer diagnostics and therapeutics.

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