A hallmark of all living organisms is the presence of genetic material within each cell; this material is invariantly composed of a specific class of biological molecules known as the nucleic acids. While the more familiar variety of these nucleic acids – DNA – is effectively a household term, its sister class of nucleic acids – known as RNA – is far less renowned in non-scientific circles. Nevertheless, the study of RNA has experienced a period of rapid growth during the 21^stcentury, ushered in by advances in biotechnology that has rendered them more amenable to study. This has led to the discovery of previously unknown varieties of RNA with structures and functions entirely distinct from those of the traditionally known RNA types (such as messenger RNA, or “mRNA”). One recent example is a class of RNAs now entitled Long Non-Coding RNAs (lncRNAs) – “non-coding” signifying that these RNAs do not code for the genetic information needed to produce a protein product (like mRNAs do).

Unfortunately, the purpose of lncRNAs remains incompletely understood. This is partly due to their novelty as the subject of scientific inquiry, but also because they perform a large and highly complex list of functions in the cell. Notwithstanding several exceptions, the functions of all lncRNAs can collectively be grouped together under the broad designation of gene expression regulators. Within this framework, lncRNAs have proven themselves to be highly resourceful in how they go about accomplishing their purpose, which often involves regulating other regulators rather than directly altering gene expression of their own accord. Importantly, their crucial role in maintaining normal gene expression has raised concern over whether they may contribute to human disease – specifically cancer, given that the molecular origins of the cancer development process are highly genetic in nature. Not surprisingly then, there is a now wealth of evidence linking lncRNA malfunction with the development of a multitude of different malignancies. As with protein coding RNAs, there are lncRNAs that appear to enhance cancer initiation and progression, as well as those that suppress it. Fortunately, the growing awareness of these regulators has presented medical science with a new and untapped avenue for treating cancer, where therapeutics designed to restore lncRNA homeostasis might yield significant clinical benefit in patients with cancers harboring dysfunctional lncRNAs. They may additionally be used to assess and better understand the specific molecular features of a particular patient’s tumor (which generally are unique and distinctive from patient to patient), and also to enhance the sensitivity of cancer diagnostics.

Their potential to improve detection strategies makes them especially attractive in the case of cancers that are highly responsive to early-stage treatment. Prostate carcinoma is a poignant example of this, primarily because of the shear prevalence of this disease in men, among whom it represents the most commonly occurring (non-skin) malignancy. Given the significant improvement in outcomes which early diagnosis and treatment confers in prostate cancer patients, any biomarkers which can enhance early detection would provide significant clinical benefit to this population. Although much remains uncertain about the precise function of them, lncRNAs nonetheless are poised to play a key role in the future of cancer management, where personalized, genomic approaches to therapy will be increasingly utilized in management of the patient.

Steven EastlackandSuresh Alahari
Department of Biochemistry, LSUHSC School of Medicine
New Orleans, USA

Publication

Role of Long Noncoding RNAs in Neoplasia: Special Emphasis on Prostate Cancer.
Alahari SV, Eastlack SC, Alahari SK.
Int Rev Cell Mol Biol. 2016

Read offline:

Related Articles:

	Developing aptamers and 21st century skills through…在越来越多的适配子应用程序,novative aptamer Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs) have merged the scientific demand of aptamers with the positive student outcomes realized through authentic research…
	miRNA, the inconspicuous but key player in the development…Cervical cancer is among the top three cancers affecting women below 45 years in several countries. Both the alterations and modification in deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequences play a critical role…
	Defects in mismatch repair increase cancer risk and…Microsatellites are formed by 1-6 nucleotide base pairs that are repeated in direct order 5-50 times. Repetitive DNA including microsatellites are mainly present in non-coding DNA regions that occupy more…
	Tracking mRNA in living cells using Pepper RNA aptamerMessenger RNAs (mRNAs) are a class of biomolecules that are generated in the nucleus to carry genetic information from the nucleus to different parts of the cells for making functional…
	A molecular passport authorizes intracellular travel for a…Whether from external environmental factors or spontaneous intracellular processes, the DNA in our cells is under constant bombardment by DNA damage. Because unrepaired DNA damage can cause cell death, our…
	Any cell organelle can be the starting point for toxicant…Toxicants and pathogens often induce death of their target and host cells. In order to investigate the different ways they can achieve this I have used the hepatopancreatocytes of decapod…