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Harnessing the supremacy of MEG3 LncRNA to defeat gastrointestinal malignancies
H H Rashwan1, A M Taher2, H A Hassan2
1Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry Department, Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Faculty of Biotechnology, German International University (GIU), Cairo 11835, Egypt; Bioinformatics Group, Center for Informatics Science (CIS), School of Information Technology and Computer Science (ITCS), Nile University, 12677, Giza, Egypt.
Abstract:
Evidence suggests that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a pivotal role in the carcinogenesis and progression of various human malignancies including gastrointestinal malignancies. This comprehensive review reports the functions and mechanisms of the lncRNA maternally expressed gene 3 (MEG3) involved in gastrointestinal malignancies. It summarizes its roles in mediating the regulation of cellular proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasiveness, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and drug resistance in several gastrointestinal cancers such as colorectal cancer, gall bladder cancer, pancreatic cancer, gastric cancer, esophageal cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, gastrointestinal stromal tumors and most importantly, hepatocellular carcinoma. In addition, the authors briefly highlight its implicated mechanistic role and interactions with different non-coding RNAs and oncogenic signaling cascades. This review presents the rationale for developing non coding RNA-based anticancer therapy via harnessing the power of MEG3 in gastrointestinal malignancies.
Insights
The long non-coding RNA maternally expressed gene 3 (MEG3) is crucial in gastrointestinal cancers. Understanding MEG3
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are implicated in human cancer development.
- Gastrointestinal malignancies represent a significant global health burden.
- The specific roles of lncRNAs in these cancers are under active investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively review the functions and mechanisms of the lncRNA maternally expressed gene 3 (MEG3) in gastrointestinal malignancies.
- To summarize MEG3's involvement in key cancer processes like proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and drug resistance.
- To explore MEG3's interactions with other non-coding RNAs and signaling pathways in gastrointestinal cancers.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating MEG3 in gastrointestinal cancers.
- Analysis of MEG3's regulatory roles in cellular processes.
- Examination of MEG3's interactions with non-coding RNAs and signaling cascades.
Main Results:
- MEG3 plays significant roles in regulating proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasiveness, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and drug resistance in various gastrointestinal cancers.
- MEG3 is notably involved in hepatocellular carcinoma, colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, and gastric cancer, among others.
- MEG3 interacts with other non-coding RNAs and oncogenic signaling pathways, influencing cancer progression.
Conclusions:
- MEG3 is a critical player in the carcinogenesis and progression of gastrointestinal malignancies.
- Targeting MEG3 presents a promising strategy for developing novel non-coding RNA-based anticancer therapies.
- Further research into MEG3's mechanisms can pave the way for innovative therapeutic interventions in gastrointestinal oncology.
