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Exploiting Long Non-Coding RNAs and Circular RNAs as Pharmacological Targets in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Alina Catalina Palcau1, Renata Brandi1, Nikolay Hristov Mehterov2,3
1Translational Oncology Research Unit, Department of Research, Advanced Diagnostic and Technological Innovation, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy.
Abstract:
Breast cancer is one of the most frequent causes of cancer death among women worldwide. In particular, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) represents the most aggressive breast cancer subtype because it is characterized by the absence of molecular targets, thus making it an orphan type of malignancy. The discovery of new molecular druggable targets is mandatory to improve treatment success. In that context, non-coding RNAs represent an opportunity for modulation of cancer. They are RNA molecules with apparently no protein coding potential, which have been already demonstrated to play pivotal roles within cells, being involved in different processes, such as proliferation, cell cycle regulation, apoptosis, migration, and diseases, including cancer. Accordingly, they could be used as targets for future TNBC personalized therapy. Moreover, the peculiar characteristics of non-coding RNAs make them reliable biomarkers to monitor cancer treatment, thus, to monitor recurrence or chemoresistance, which are the most challenging aspects in TNBC. In the present review, we focused on the oncogenic or oncosuppressor role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs) mostly involved in TNBC, highlighting their mode of action and depicting their potential role as a biomarker and/or as targets of new non-coding RNA-based therapeutics.
Insights
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) lacks targets, driving research into non-coding RNAs. These RNAs show promise as therapeutic targets and biomarkers for TNBC treatment and monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype with limited therapeutic targets.
- Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) play crucial roles in cellular processes and cancer development.
- Identifying novel therapeutic strategies and biomarkers is essential for improving TNBC outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the oncogenic or oncosuppressor roles of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs) in TNBC.
- To highlight the mechanisms of action of these ncRNAs in TNBC.
- To explore the potential of ncRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for TNBC.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on lncRNAs and circRNAs in TNBC.
- Analysis of the functional roles and molecular mechanisms of selected ncRNAs.
- Evaluation of ncRNAs as potential biomarkers for treatment monitoring and recurrence detection.
Main Results:
- lncRNAs and circRNAs exhibit significant roles in TNBC progression, acting as oncogenes or tumor suppressors.
- These ncRNAs influence key cancer processes including proliferation, migration, and apoptosis.
- Specific ncRNAs demonstrate potential for early detection, treatment response prediction, and monitoring of chemoresistance in TNBC.
Conclusions:
- Non-coding RNAs, including lncRNAs and circRNAs, represent a promising avenue for developing targeted therapies for TNBC.
- ncRNAs can serve as valuable biomarkers for personalized treatment strategies and monitoring disease recurrence or resistance.
- Further research into ncRNA-based therapeutics holds potential for improving outcomes in TNBC patients.
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