Noncoding RNA in Clinical Trials: Diagnostic and Therapeutical Prospects

The clinical potential of noncoding RNA has proven to have major advancements recently. Understanding their mechanisms and biological functions drives the use of ncRNAs in clinical applications. ncRNAs play crucial roles in regulating all cellular processes by influencing key proteins involved in the singling pathways, both at gene transcriptional and translational levels. Additionally, ncRNAs can be detected intracellularly and extracellularly in different body fluids such as blood, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid, facilitating their noninvasive use in clinical settings. Several clinical trials have investigated ncRNAs' therapeutic and diagnostic use, leading to models that mimic the mechanistic functions of dysregulated ncRNAs. These models have provided new clinical tools for early disease diagnosis and therapy. While the FDA has approved some ncRNA-based diagnostic/therapeutic applications, other clinical trials were withdrawn or terminated. Challenges associated with ncRNAs include off-target effects due to a lack of specificity, decreased stability of specific ncRNAs in vivo, low cellular uptake, and limitations in delivery systems. Additionally, most exciting studies focus primarily on some types of ncRNA, such as microRNAs, highlighting the need for broader research into investigating other types of ncRNAs. Unlocking the full potential of ncRNAs will pave the way for a myriad of possibilities for developing novel strategies for early diagnosis, disease prognosis, and targeted therapies for different human diseases.