siRNA-based knockdown of lncRNAs: A new modality to target tumor progression

Abdulrahman Qais Khaleel1, Saade Abdalkareem Jasim2, Soumya V Menon3

  • 1Department of Medical Instruments Engineering, Al-Maarif University College, Al Anbar 31001, Iraq.

PubMed

Insights

Small interfering RNA (siRNA) shows promise for cancer therapy by targeting long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). Further research is needed to overcome challenges in delivery and efficacy for personalized medicine.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • RNA Therapeutics

Background:

  • Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play diverse roles in cancer development and progression.
  • Understanding lncRNA structure and biogenesis is crucial for developing targeted therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate small interfering RNA (siRNA) as a therapeutic strategy for targeting lncRNAs in cancer.
  • To analyze the impact of lncRNA suppression via siRNA on cancer-related signaling pathways.

Main Methods:

  • Review of lncRNA structure, biogenesis, and functions in cancer.
  • Analysis of siRNA-mediated lncRNA suppression and its effects on cancer signaling.
  • Evaluation of current clinical trials and applications of siRNA in oncology.

Main Results:

  • siRNA demonstrates potential for inhibiting cancer-promoting lncRNAs.
  • Suppression of lncRNAs by siRNA impacts key cancer signaling pathways.
  • Ongoing clinical trials highlight the feasibility of siRNA-based cancer interventions.

Conclusions:

  • siRNA-based targeting of lncRNAs offers a promising avenue for personalized cancer therapeutics and precision medicine.
  • Key challenges include optimizing siRNA delivery, minimizing off-target effects, and enhancing stability for clinical application.

Related Concept Videos

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...
8.5K
MicroRNAs01:22

MicroRNAs

MicroRNA (miRNA) are short, regulatory RNA transcribed from introns—non-coding regions of a gene—or intergenic regions—stretches of DNA present between genes. Several processing steps are required to form biologically active, mature miRNA. The initial transcript, called primary miRNA (pri-mRNA), base-pairs with itself forming a stem-loop structure. Within the nucleus, an endonuclease enzyme, called Drosha, shortens the stem-loop structure into hairpin-shaped pre-miRNA. After...
21.2K
Experimental RNAi02:15

Experimental RNAi

RNA interference (RNAi) is a cellular mechanism that inhibits gene expression by suppressing its transcription or activating the RNA degradation process. The mechanism was discovered by Andrew Fire and Craig Mello in 1998 in plants. Today, it is observed in almost all eukaryotes, including protozoa, flies, nematodes, insects, parasites, and mammals. This precise cellular mechanism of gene silencing has been developed into a technique that provides an efficient way to identify and determine the...
6.1K
siRNA - Small Interfering RNAs02:30

siRNA - Small Interfering RNAs

Small interfering RNAs, or siRNAs, are short regulatory RNA molecules that can silence genes post-transcriptionally, as well as the transcriptional level in some cases. siRNAs are important for protecting cells against viral infections and silencing transposable genetic elements.
In the cytoplasm, siRNA is processed from a double-stranded RNA, which comes from either endogenous DNA transcription or exogenous sources like a virus. This double-stranded RNA is then cleaved by the...
16.6K
Loss of Tumor Suppressor Gene Functions01:12

Loss of Tumor Suppressor Gene Functions

Tumor suppressor genes are normal genes that can slow down cell division, repair DNA mistakes, or program the cells for apoptosis in case of irreparable damage. Hence, they play an essential role in preventing the proliferation of damaged cells.
When the tumor suppressor genes develop mutations or are lost, cells start growing out of control, leading to cancer. However, a single functional copy of the tumor suppressor gene is enough for the cells to maintain their normal functions and cell...
4.7K
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
7.5K