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PIWI-RNAs Small Noncoding RNAs with Smart Functions: Potential Theranostic Applications in Cancer

Simona Taverna1, Anna Masucci2, Giuseppe Cammarata1

  • 1Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT), National Research Council (CNR), 90146 Palermo, Italy.

Cancers
|August 12, 2023
PubMed

Insights

P-element-induced wimpy testis (PIWI)-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are small RNAs found in extracellular vesicles. These EV-piRNAs show promise as non-invasive biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • P-element-induced wimpy testis (PIWI)-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs regulating signaling pathways.
  • Aberrant piRNA and PIWI protein expression is linked to cancer development and progression.
  • piRNAs are found in extracellular vesicles (EVs), crucial for cell-cell communication.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of piRNAs in various cancer types.
  • To explore the theranostic potential of EV-piRNAs.
  • To discuss piRNAs as biomarkers in liquid biopsy for precision oncology.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of current findings on piRNAs in cancer.
  • Focus on piRNAs within extracellular vesicles (EVs).
  • Analysis of piRNAs as components of liquid biopsy (LB).

Main Results:

  • piRNAs are implicated in tumorigenesis and cancer progression.
  • EV-piRNAs are emerging as key players in intercellular communication.
  • piRNAs in EVs are potential biomarkers for liquid biopsy.

Conclusions:

  • EV-piRNAs hold significant potential for cancer diagnosis and prognosis.
  • piRNAs within EVs can serve as non-invasive biomarkers.
  • EV-piRNAs may offer novel therapeutic strategies in oncology.
Keywords:
PIWI proteinsbiomarkersepidrugsextracellular vesiclesncRNAspiRNAs

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