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Updated: Apr 24, 2026

MicroRNA Amplification and Recognition through Locked-nucleic-acid In situ Hybridization as a Novel Detection and Quantification Method
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Published on: October 7, 2025

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Emerging roles of PIWI-interacting RNAs in cancer molecular diagnostics and therapeutics: a molecular biosciences

Qianqian Yang1, Jingping Wu2, Yu Su3

  • 1Clinical Medical College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.

Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences
|April 23, 2026
PubMed

Insights

PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs crucial in cancer development and progression. These molecules show promise as novel biomarkers for early detection and as therapeutic targets for precision oncology treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biosciences
  • Oncology
  • Genomics

Background:

  • Cancer necessitates advanced diagnostics and therapies due to limitations of current treatments like surgery and chemotherapy.
  • PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), small non-coding RNAs, are increasingly recognized as key regulators in cancer pathogenesis.
  • Dysregulation of piRNAs is observed across various malignancies, influencing cancer hallmarks such as proliferation, metastasis, and chemoresistance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of piRNAs in cancer, covering their biogenesis, dual function (oncogenic and suppressive), and translational potential.
  • To highlight piRNAs as promising biomarkers for cancer diagnostics and prognostics, particularly through liquid biopsies.
  • To explore the therapeutic applications of piRNAs in precision oncology.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on piRNA biogenesis, function, and clinical applications in cancer.
  • Analysis of next-generation sequencing data implicating piRNAs in cancer pathogenesis.
  • Examination of preclinical and clinical research on piRNA-based diagnostics and therapeutics.

Main Results:

  • piRNAs are dysregulated in various cancers (colorectal, gastric, lung, multiple myeloma, hepatocellular carcinoma), impacting key oncogenic pathways.
  • Tissue-specific piRNA signatures can be detected in liquid biopsies for early diagnosis and recurrence prediction.
  • piRNA-based therapeutics (mimics, inhibitors) and PIWI targeted approaches show preclinical promise in sensitizing tumors and inhibiting metastasis.

Conclusions:

  • piRNAs represent a significant advancement in molecular biosciences for understanding and combating cancer.
  • The diagnostic and therapeutic potential of piRNAs offers a new frontier in precision oncology.
  • Further research into piRNA mechanisms and clinical translation is crucial for realizing their full impact on cancer care.
Keywords:
PIWI-interacting RNAsbiomarkerscancerearly detectionmolecular biosciences

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