Long Non-coding RNAs in Non-small Cell Lung Carcinoma: Regulatory Mechanisms, Diagnostic Potential, and Therapeutic...

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a unique class of RNA molecules that do not code for proteins but play a significant role in regulating various cellular processes. This article aims to contribute to a better understanding of lncRNA biology in NSCLC and to inspire further research that will improve the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of this deadly disease.

A literature review was performed using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science to analyze studies on lncRNAs in NSCLC published between 2015 and 2025.

In NSCLC, lncRNAs are commonly dysregulated and can function as either oncogenic or tumor-suppressive regulators, contributing to cancer development and progression. They regulate gene expression directly, act as competitive endogenous RNAs that bind to microRNAs and proteins, and interact with RNA-binding proteins. Furthermore, lncRNAs influence the tumor immune microenvironment, alter cellular metabolism, maintain cancer stem cell properties, and induce angiogenesis by activating specific signaling pathways. LncRNAs have attracted increasing attention for their roles as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in liquid biopsies and for their therapeutic relevance in NSCLC.

This review examines the critical roles and diverse functions of lncRNAs, emphasizing their clinical applicability, recent advances in research, existing challenges, novel approaches, and prospects for NSCLC treatment.

By synthesizing recent findings, this study highlights the significant role of lncRNAs in carcinogenesis, encourages further research in this field, and uncovers the complex network of lncRNA-mediated regulatory effects that could lead to innovative diagnostic tools and therapeutic interventions.