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The role of non-coding RNAs in regulating R-loop dynamics in cancer: Mechanisms and therapeutic implications
Sixiang Zheng1, Junjie Li2, Hong Lin3
1Department of Clinical Research, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610041, China.
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica. B
|August 13, 2026
Summary
Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) influence RNA:DNA hybrids (R-loops), impacting cancer development and treatment. Understanding these interactions offers new therapeutic strategies for oncology.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Oncology
Background:
- R-loops (RNA:DNA hybrids) are crucial for gene expression and genome stability.
- Dysregulated R-loops are linked to genomic instability and cancer.
- Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including lncRNAs and circRNAs, are emerging regulators of R-loop dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the molecular mechanisms of ncRNA-mediated R-loop modulation in cancer.
- To discuss the potential of ncRNA-R-loop interactions as cancer biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on ncRNAs, R-loops, and cancer.
- Analysis of molecular mechanisms underlying ncRNA-R-loop interactions.
- Discussion of therapeutic implications and future research directions.
Main Results:
- Specific circRNAs (e.g., circSMARCA5, circDMD) can induce R-loops, affecting gene expression and chemosensitivity.
- Certain lncRNAs (e.g., TUG1, NEAT1) resolve R-loops, impacting genome stability and tumor survival.
- ncRNAs dynamically regulate R-loop formation, stabilization, and resolution.
Conclusions:
- ncRNA-R-loop interactions are pivotal in tumorigenesis and therapeutic resistance.
- Targeting these interactions presents novel therapeutic strategies for cancer.
- Further research is needed to translate these findings into clinical applications.
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