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Published on: May 30, 2025
Diagnostic and therapeutic role of non-coding RNAs regulating programmed cell death in melanoma
Zixu Wang1, Cong Xie1, Xiao Chen2
1Office for Doctoral Studies, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
Abstract:
lncRNAs (long non-coding RNAs) are heterogeneous RNA molecules that modulate various cellular processes, such as proliferation, differentiation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis, via different mechanisms. An increasing amount of research indicates that abnormal expression of lncRNA influences the development of drug resistance as well as the genesis and advancement of cancer, including melanoma. Furthermore, they are attractive biomarkers for non-invasive cancer diagnostics due to their strongly modulated expression and improved tissue and disease specificity. This review offers a succinct overview of the present understanding concerning the potential diagnostic biomarker potential of lncRNAs in melanoma. Cell death occurs frequently during growth and throughout life and is an active, organized, and genetically determined process. It is essential for the regulation of homeostasis. Controlled cell death and non-programmed cell death are both forms of cell death. The most prevalent forms of regulatory cell death are pyroptosis, ferroptosis, autophagy, necroptosis, necrosis, and apoptosis. Ferroptosis, pyroptosis, and autophagy are less common forms of cell death compared to necrosis, apoptosis, and necroptosis. ncRNAs are regulatory RNA molecules that are not involved in encoding proteins. They primarily consist of circular RNAs (circ RNAs), lncRNAs, and microRNAs (miRNAs). Moreover, non-coding RNAs have the ability to modulate tumor cell autophagy, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis at the transcriptional or post-transcriptional stage, as well as function as oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, which can have considerable effects on the incidence and growth of tumors. This review concentrated on the recent advancements in the research of the diagnostic and therapeutic functions of ncRNAs in the regulation of programmed cell death in melanoma.
Insights
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) show promise as diagnostic biomarkers for melanoma, influencing cancer development and drug resistance. Their role in regulating programmed cell death pathways is key to understanding melanoma progression.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are key regulators of cellular processes and are implicated in cancer development, including melanoma.
- Abnormal lncRNA expression is linked to melanoma progression, drug resistance, and serves as a potential biomarker for early detection.
- Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) also regulate programmed cell death pathways like pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and autophagy, impacting tumor growth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of lncRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers in melanoma.
- To explore the role of ncRNAs in regulating programmed cell death in melanoma.
- To highlight recent advancements in ncRNA research for melanoma diagnostics and therapeutics.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on lncRNAs and ncRNAs in melanoma.
- Analysis of research on the diagnostic potential of lncRNAs.
- Examination of ncRNA involvement in programmed cell death mechanisms relevant to melanoma.
Main Results:
- lncRNAs exhibit specific expression patterns in melanoma, making them attractive diagnostic markers.
- ncRNAs can function as oncogenes or tumor suppressors, influencing melanoma cell fate.
- ncRNAs modulate key programmed cell death pathways (autophagy, pyroptosis, ferroptosis) in melanoma.
Conclusions:
- lncRNAs hold significant potential as non-invasive diagnostic biomarkers for melanoma.
- Targeting ncRNAs involved in programmed cell death offers therapeutic strategies for melanoma.
- Further research into ncRNA functions can improve melanoma diagnosis and treatment.
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