lncRNAs and cyclin-dependent kinases: Unveiling their critical roles in cancer progression

Raihan Siddique1, Lakshmi Thangavelu2, RenukaJyothi S3

  • 1School of Pharmacy, Suresh Gyan Vihar University, Mahal Road, Jagatpura, Jaipur, India.

Insights

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) regulate cell division by interacting with cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs). Understanding these interactions offers new cancer treatment strategies targeting cell proliferation and drug resistance.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are non-protein-coding transcripts involved in gene regulation.
  • Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) are crucial regulators of the cell cycle.
  • Aberrant CDK activity is a key driver of cancer development and progression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the role of lncRNA-CDK interactions in cancer pathogenesis.
  • To investigate the therapeutic potential of targeting lncRNAs and CDKs in cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

  • The study involves analyzing molecular mechanisms of lncRNA-CDK interactions.
  • Investigating signaling pathways and regulatory circuits in cancer biology.

Main Results:

  • lncRNA-CDK interactions modulate cell cycle progression and proliferation.
  • Dysregulation of these interactions contributes to uncontrolled cell growth and tumor formation.

Conclusions:

  • Targeting lncRNA-CDK interactions presents a promising strategy for novel cancer therapies.
  • Interventions aimed at CDKs can disrupt cancer pathways and overcome drug resistance, enabling personalized treatment approaches.

Related Concept Videos

mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression03:03

mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression

The mammalian target of rapamycin or mTOR protein was discovered in 1994 due to its direct interaction with rapamycin. The protein gets its name from a yeast homolog called TOR. The mTOR protein complex in mammalian cells plays a major role in balancing anabolic processes such as the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleotides and catabolic processes, such as autophagy in response to environmental cues, such as availability of nutrients and growth factors.
The mTOR pathway or the...
3.8K
Positive Regulator Molecules02:39

Positive Regulator Molecules

Mitotic cell division results in daughter cells that exactly resemble the parent cell. However, errors in the DNA replication or distribution of genetic material may lead to genetic mutations that may be passed down to every new cell formed from the resulting abnormal cell. Propagation of such mutant cells is restricted through checkpoint mechanisms present at different stages of the cell cycle. These checkpoints involve regulator molecules that either promote or demote cell cycle events.
5.4K
M-Cdk Drives Transition Into Mitosis02:15

M-Cdk Drives Transition Into Mitosis

Checkpoints throughout the cell cycle serve as safeguards and gatekeepers, allowing the cell cycle to progress in favorable conditions and slow or halt it in problematic ones. This regulation is known as the cell cycle control system.
Cyclin-dependent kinases, or Cdks, work in concert with cyclins to control cell cycle transitions. M-Cdk, a complex of Cdk1 bound to M cyclin, is a well-known example of this coordinated control that drives the transition from the G2 to the M phase.
M cyclin...
5.6K
Inhibition of Cdk Activity02:34

Inhibition of Cdk Activity

The orderly progression of the cell cycle depends on the activation of Cdk protein by binding to its cyclin partner. However, the cell cycle must be restricted when undergoing abnormal changes. Most cancers correlate to the deregulated cell cycle, and since Cdks are a central component of the cell cycle, Cdk inhibitors are extensively studied to develop anticancer agents. For instance, cyclin D associates with several Cdks, such as Cdk 4/6, to form an active complex. The cyclin D-Cdk4/6 complex...
4.7K
lncRNA - Long Non-coding RNAs02:39

lncRNA - Long Non-coding RNAs

In humans, more than 80% of the genome gets transcribed. However, only around 2% of the genome codes for proteins. The remaining part produces non-coding RNAs which includes ribosomal RNAs, transfer RNAs, telomerase RNAs, and regulatory RNAs, among other types. A large number of regulatory non-coding RNAs have been classified into two groups depending upon their length – small non-coding RNAs, such as microRNA, which are less than 200 nucleotides in length, and long non-coding RNA...
8.6K
Tumor Progression02:07

Tumor Progression

Tumor progression is a phenomenon where the pre-formed tumor acquires successive mutations to become clinically more aggressive and malignant. In the 1950s, Foulds first described the stepwise progression of cancer cells through successive stages.
Colon cancer is one of the best-documented examples of tumor progression. Early mutation in the APC gene in colon cells causes a small growth on the colon wall called a polyp. With time, this polyp grows into a benign, pre-cancerous tumor. Further...
6.3K