Long Noncoding RNAs and Circular RNAs Regulate AKT and Its Effectors to Control Cell Functions of Cancer Cells

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Cancer Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• AKT serine-threonine kinase (AKT) and its effectors are crucial regulators of fundamental cancer cell processes, including proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, and migration.
• Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs) are increasingly recognized for their roles in gene expression regulation and cellular functions.
• The specific mechanisms by which lncRNAs and circRNAs influence AKT signaling pathways and their downstream effectors in cancer remain incompletely understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively review the current understanding of the relationship between lncRNAs, circRNAs, AKT, and its effectors in regulating cancer cell functions.
• To explore the roles of specific lncRNAs and circRNAs that target key AKT effectors, such as FOXO, mTORC1/2, S6K1/2, 4EBP1, SREBP, and HIF.
• To provide insights into the intricate network connecting these molecules and their impact on cancer cell biology.

Main Methods:

• Literature survey and in-depth review of existing research on lncRNAs, circRNAs, AKT signaling, and cancer cell functions.
• Retrieval and analysis of predicted AKT- and AKT effector-targeting lncRNAs and circRNAs from databases like LncTarD and circBase.
• Integration of database findings with literature data to establish connections between these regulatory elements and cellular processes.

Main Results:

• Several lncRNAs and circRNAs have been identified to modulate the activity of AKT and its key effectors, influencing critical cancer cell functions.
• Database analysis and literature review confirm a significant association between these non-coding RNAs and the regulation of AKT-mediated cellular processes.
• The identified lncRNAs and circRNAs play diverse roles in processes such as proliferation, apoptosis, ER stress, and migration of cancer cells.

Conclusions:

• lncRNAs and circRNAs are significant regulators of cancer cell functions through their modulation of the AKT signaling pathway and its effectors.
• A complex regulatory network exists, linking AKT, its effectors, lncRNAs, and circRNAs, offering potential therapeutic targets in cancer.
• Further research is warranted to fully elucidate the specific mechanisms and therapeutic implications of this intricate molecular interplay.