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Published on: August 23, 2019
lncRNAs: a new generation of targets and biomarkers in thyroid cancer
Rufina Maturi1,2, Matteo Esposito1, Rob P Coppes2,3
1Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy.
Abstract:
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are untranslated RNA molecules that regulate gene expression through diverse mechanisms, acting as scaffolds, guides, decoys, or signals. In thyroid cancer, the most prevalent endocrine malignancy, lncRNAs are increasingly recognized as key contributors to tumor development and progression. Elucidating these molecular mechanisms is essential for advancing diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic strategies. This review highlights major lncRNAs implicated in thyroid cancer, categorizing them as upregulated/oncogenes or downregulated/tumor suppressors and describing their mechanisms of action and interactions. lncRNAs are typically expressed at low levels and tightly regulated to preserve normal cell behavior. In thyroid cancer, they serve as crucial regulators of oncogenesis, frequently acting as competing endogenous RNAs that influence key signaling pathways. While most studies focus on miRNA sponging, other mechanisms are underexplored. Circulating lncRNAs offer potential for non-invasive diagnostics, and several lncRNAs show promise as therapeutic targets. Thus, continued research into the diverse functions of lncRNAs is vital to fully harness their clinical potential in thyroid cancer.
Insights
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are key regulators in thyroid cancer development. Understanding their roles as oncogenes or tumor suppressors is crucial for new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
Background:
- Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) regulate gene expression via diverse mechanisms.
- lncRNAs are increasingly recognized as critical players in thyroid cancer pathogenesis.
- Understanding lncRNA functions is vital for improving thyroid cancer diagnostics and therapeutics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review major lncRNAs involved in thyroid cancer.
- To categorize lncRNAs as upregulated (oncogenes) or downregulated (tumor suppressors).
- To describe lncRNA mechanisms of action and interactions in thyroid cancer.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of lncRNAs in thyroid cancer.
- Categorization of lncRNAs based on expression levels and function.
- Analysis of lncRNA mechanisms, including competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) activity.
Main Results:
- lncRNAs significantly regulate thyroid cancer oncogenesis, often via ceRNA networks.
- Upregulated lncRNAs act as oncogenes, while downregulated lncRNAs function as tumor suppressors.
- Other lncRNA regulatory mechanisms beyond miRNA sponging require further investigation.
Conclusions:
- lncRNAs are pivotal in thyroid cancer progression.
- Circulating lncRNAs hold potential for non-invasive diagnostics.
- Targeting specific lncRNAs may offer novel therapeutic avenues for thyroid cancer.
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