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MicroRNAs and long non-coding RNAs in pancreatic cancer: From epigenetics to potential clinical applications
Luis Alberto Bravo-Vázquez1, Natalia Frías-Reid1, Ana Gabriela Ramos-Delgado1
1School of Engineering and Sciences, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Campus Queretaro, Av. Epigmenio Gonzalez, No. 500 Fracc. San Pablo, Queretaro 76130, Mexico.
Abstract:
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are two relevant classes of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) that play a pivotal role in a number of molecular processes through different epigenetic regulatory mechanisms of gene expression. As a matter of fact, the altered expression of these types of RNAs leads to the development and progression of a varied range of multifactorial human diseases. Several recent reports elucidated that miRNA and lncRNAs have been implicated in pancreatic cancer (PC). For instance, dysregulation of such ncRNAs has been found to be associated with chemoresistance, apoptosis, autophagy, cell differentiation, tumor suppression, tumor growth, cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in PC. Moreover, several aberrantly expressed miRNAs and lncRNAs have the potential to be used as biomarkers for accurate PC diagnosis. Additionally, miRNAs and lncRNAs are considered as promising clinical targets for PC. Therefore, in this review, we discuss recent experimental evidence regarding the clinical implications of miRNAs and lncRNAs in the pathophysiology of PC, their future potential, as well as the challenges that have arisen in this field of study in order to drive forward the design of ncRNA-based diagnostics and therapeutics for PC.
Insights
Non-coding RNAs, including microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), are crucial in gene regulation and implicated in pancreatic cancer (PC) development. Their dysregulation affects PC progression, offering potential as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Epigenetics
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), specifically microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), are key epigenetic regulators of gene expression.
- Aberrant expression of these ncRNAs is linked to the development and progression of multifactorial human diseases, including pancreatic cancer (PC).
- Recent studies highlight the involvement of miRNAs and lncRNAs in various aspects of PC pathophysiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the clinical implications of miRNAs and lncRNAs in pancreatic cancer (PC).
- To discuss the potential of these ncRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for PC.
- To explore the challenges and future directions in ncRNA-based diagnostics and therapeutics for PC.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent experimental evidence on the role of miRNAs and lncRNAs in PC.
- Analysis of studies linking ncRNA dysregulation to PC hallmarks like chemoresistance, apoptosis, and metastasis.
- Evaluation of the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of specific miRNAs and lncRNAs in PC.
Main Results:
- Dysregulated miRNAs and lncRNAs are associated with critical processes in PC, including chemoresistance, apoptosis, autophagy, cell differentiation, tumor suppression, growth, proliferation, migration, and invasion.
- Several aberrantly expressed miRNAs and lncRNAs show promise as biomarkers for accurate PC diagnosis.
- miRNAs and lncRNAs represent promising targets for novel clinical therapies in PC management.
Conclusions:
- Non-coding RNAs play a significant role in the pathophysiology of pancreatic cancer.
- ncRNAs hold substantial potential for developing novel diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies for PC.
- Further research is needed to overcome challenges and advance ncRNA-based interventions for PC.
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