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Role of noncoding RNA as a pacemaker in cancer stem cell regulation: a review article

Yasmin M Attia1, Samer A Tadros2, Sally A Fahim3

  • 1Pharmacology Unit, Cancer Biology Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Kasr Al Eini Street, Fom El Khalig, Cairo, 11796, Egypt.

Journal of the Egyptian National Cancer Institute
|March 24, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) drive tumor growth and resistance. Noncoding RNAs, like microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs, regulate CSCs, offering potential therapeutic targets for cancer eradication.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are crucial for tumor initiation, proliferation, and therapeutic resistance.
  • Dysregulation of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), is observed in both cancer cells and CSCs.
  • ncRNAs are implicated in regulating transcription factors and signaling pathways essential for CSC progression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the regulatory roles of noncoding RNAs in cancer stem cells.
  • To explore the potential of targeting ncRNAs for novel cancer therapies.
  • To elucidate the biological functions of ncRNAs in CSCs.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing studies on noncoding RNAs and cancer stem cells.
  • Analysis of research on the regulatory mechanisms of ncRNAs in CSCs.
  • Synthesis of findings regarding therapeutic applications of ncRNAs against CSCs.

Main Results:

  • Noncoding RNAs significantly influence CSC characteristics, including self-renewal and differentiation.
  • ncRNAs modulate key signaling pathways and transcription factors involved in CSC maintenance.
  • The precise biological functions of many ncRNAs in CSCs require further investigation.

Conclusions:

  • Noncoding RNAs play a critical role in regulating cancer stem cells.
  • Targeting ncRNAs presents a promising therapeutic strategy for eliminating cancer cells.
  • Further research into ncRNA functions is essential for developing effective cancer treatments.
Keywords:
CancerCancer stem cellsLong non-coding RNAMicroRNANon-coding RNA

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