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Emerging role of long non‑coding RNAs in the Rho/ROCK signaling pathway in tumor metastasis (Review)

Hui Nie1, Xuejie Yang1, Qingning Chen1

  • 1Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, P.R. China.

International Journal of Molecular Medicine
|September 12, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) regulate the Rho/ROCK pathway, impacting tumor metastasis. These lncRNAs, found in exosomes, offer potential as cancer biomarkers and therapeutic targets for metastatic disease.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Tumor metastasis is a major cause of cancer treatment failure.
  • Cytoskeleton rearrangement, particularly actin dynamics regulated by the Rho/ROCK pathway, is crucial for metastasis.
  • Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are increasingly recognized for their roles in cancer progression and metastasis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role and mechanisms of lncRNAs associated with the Rho/ROCK signaling pathway in tumor metastasis.
  • To highlight the potential of these lncRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for metastatic cancers.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on lncRNAs, Rho/ROCK pathway, and tumor metastasis.
  • Analysis of mechanisms by which lncRNAs modulate Rho/ROCK signaling (e.g., miRNA sponging, protein binding).
  • Investigation of exosomal transfer of lncRNAs and their impact on metastatic potential.

Main Results:

  • lncRNAs regulate the Rho/ROCK pathway through various mechanisms, including miRNA sponging and direct protein interactions.
  • Exosomal lncRNAs can be transferred between cells, influencing recipient cell metastatic potential.
  • Rho/ROCK pathway-associated lncRNAs are implicated in mediating tumor cell movement and invasion.

Conclusions:

  • lncRNAs play a significant role in regulating the Rho/ROCK pathway and promoting tumor metastasis.
  • Rho/ROCK signaling pathway-associated lncRNAs represent promising novel biomarkers for cancer diagnosis.
  • Targeting these lncRNAs may offer new therapeutic strategies for combating metastatic cancer.
Keywords:
Rho/ROCK signaling pathwaybiomarkersexosomeslncRNAstherapeutic targettumor metastasis

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