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Drugging non-coding RNAs-A new light of hope in senescence-related cancer therapy
Swarupa Sarkar1, Sougata Ghosh Chowdhury1, Parimal Karmakar1
1Department of Life Science and Biotechnology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, India.
Abstract:
Cancer is the most prevalent disease of concern worldwide for several decades. Diverse therapeutic aspects are in applications to control this phenomenal disease and also for decennaries. Among many causes and consequences of cancer, senescence has gained much interest in recent times. Senescence, also termed aging, is the natural process that induces cancer in neighboring cells through Senescence-Associated-Secretory Phenotypes (SASPs) production. As a cure or preventive measure of cancer progression, studies already light upon multiple proteins and their roles in associated pathways but the aspect of different non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) is emerging recently and is under extensive research. Different approaches toward controlling senescence and inhibiting senescent cell accumulation are other aspects of cancer procurement. Thus, the role of ncRNA molecules in senescence and aging is getting much more interest as an alternate therapy for cancer treatment. In this review, at first, the roles of different ncRNAs related to several cellular processes are described. Then we tried to highlight the roles of different non-coding RNAs in senescence-induced cancer formation that extends with increasing age and emphasized non-coding RNAs as a therapeutic target solely or in combination with small molecules where drugging of small molecules targeting these non-coding RNAs can control cancer development.
Insights
Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are emerging as key players in cancer development linked to cellular senescence. Targeting these ncRNAs offers a promising new avenue for cancer therapy, potentially alongside small molecule drugs.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Cancer remains a leading global health concern, with diverse therapeutic strategies explored for decades.
- Cellular senescence, a process linked to aging, contributes to cancer progression via Senescence-Associated-Secretory Phenotypes (SASPs).
- While protein-centric research is established, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are a recent focus in understanding senescence and cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the multifaceted roles of various ncRNAs in cellular processes.
- To elucidate the involvement of ncRNAs in senescence-induced cancer formation, particularly in aging populations.
- To highlight ncRNAs as potential therapeutic targets for cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review on ncRNAs and their functions.
- Analysis of ncRNA involvement in senescence pathways.
- Exploration of ncRNAs as targets for cancer therapy, including combination strategies.
Main Results:
- ncRNAs play significant roles in various cellular functions relevant to aging and cancer.
- Specific ncRNAs are implicated in promoting cancer development through senescence.
- ncRNAs represent a novel class of therapeutic targets for cancer intervention.
Conclusions:
- ncRNA molecules are increasingly recognized for their critical roles in senescence and aging.
- Targeting ncRNAs offers a promising alternative or complementary approach to conventional cancer therapies.
- Further research into ncRNA-based therapeutics could lead to novel strategies for controlling cancer development.
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