Non-coding RNAs are involved in tumor cell death and affect tumorigenesis, progression, and treatment: a systematic

Zeping Han1,2, Wenfeng Luo1, Jian Shen1

  • 1Central Laboratory, Guangzhou Panyu Central Hospital, Guangzhou, China.

Insights

Non-coding RNAs regulate key cell death types like autophagy, ferroptosis, and pyroptosis. Understanding these interactions offers new insights into cancer development and potential therapeutic strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Cell death is a fundamental biological process crucial for homeostasis.
  • Regulated cell death encompasses apoptosis, necroptosis, autophagy, ferroptosis, and pyroptosis.
  • Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are critical regulators of gene expression without protein-coding capacity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent research on ncRNAs involved in autophagy, ferroptosis, and pyroptosis.
  • To explore the role of ncRNAs in tumorigenesis, tumor development, and cancer treatment.
  • To identify future research directions in this field.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies.
  • Analysis of ncRNA involvement in specific cell death pathways.
  • Examination of ncRNA regulatory mechanisms at transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels.

Main Results:

  • Non-coding RNAs significantly impact tumor occurrence and progression.
  • ncRNAs modulate autophagy, ferroptosis, and pyroptosis in cancer cells.
  • Specific ncRNAs function as oncogenes or tumor suppressors in cancer.

Conclusions:

  • ncRNAs play a multifaceted role in regulating cell death pathways relevant to cancer.
  • Elucidating ncRNA-mediated cell death mechanisms can reveal cancer's molecular underpinnings.
  • Targeting ncRNAs involved in these processes may offer novel cancer treatment strategies.

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