Long non-coding RNAs: Fundamental regulators and emerging targets of cancer stem cells

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• Cancer remains a leading global cause of death, often due to ineffective therapies and recurrence from metastatic disease.
• Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are implicated in drug resistance, metastasis, and cancer aggressiveness, making them a critical therapeutic target.
• Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are increasingly recognized for their roles in various biological processes, including cancer development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and highlight lncRNAs with specific regulatory functions in cancer stem cells (CSCs).
• To discuss challenges and methodologies for identifying CSC-specific lncRNAs.
• To focus on lncRNAs with strong functional evidence for CSC regulation and potential as drug targets.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of scientific publications.
• Analysis of functional evidence for lncRNA involvement in CSCs.
• Examination of mechanistic roles of lncRNAs in CSC regulation.

Main Results:

• Identification of specific lncRNAs demonstrating functional roles in CSC maintenance and regulation.
• Discussion of methods for isolating and validating CSC-specific lncRNAs.
• Highlighting lncRNAs with significant potential for CSC-targeted drug development.

Conclusions:

• CSCs are key drivers of cancer progression and therapeutic resistance.
• CSCs-specific lncRNAs represent a promising avenue for novel cancer drug development.
• Targeting CSC-regulating lncRNAs may overcome drug resistance and improve patient outcomes.