Long Non-Coding RNAs as Novel Targets for Phytochemicals to Cease Cancer Metastasis

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Metastasis is a critical, multi-step process in cancer progression, responsible for over 90% of cancer-related deaths globally.
• Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression, influencing various cancer development stages, including metastasis.
• Emerging evidence highlights the significant role of LncRNAs in the metastatic potential of diverse cancers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the steps involved in cancer metastasis.
• To review established LncRNAs implicated in the metastatic cascade.
• To identify phytochemical compounds that target LncRNAs to suppress cancer metastasis.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of metastasis mechanisms.
• Analysis of scientific data on LncRNAs involved in cancer spread.
• Identification of phytochemicals with anti-metastatic properties targeting LncRNAs.

Main Results:

• Detailed description of the multi-step metastatic process.
• Summary of key LncRNAs that promote or inhibit cancer metastasis.
• Catalog of phytochemicals demonstrated to interfere with LncRNA function in metastasis.

Conclusions:

• LncRNAs are crucial mediators of cancer metastasis.
• Phytochemicals represent a promising therapeutic strategy for targeting LncRNAs to combat metastatic cancer.
• Further research into LncRNA-phytochemical interactions could lead to novel anti-cancer treatments.