Revisiting the hallmarks of cancer: A new look at long noncoding RNAs in breast cancer

siRNA-based knockdown of lncRNAs: A new modality to target tumor progression

This study examines the potential of small interfering RNA (siRNA) as a therapeutic agent for cancer targeting long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). The article begins with an analysis of the structure and biogenesis of lncRNA. It explains the diverse functions of lncRNAs in cancer, establishing a foundation for assessing approaches to inhibit these molecules. The analysis focuses on the consequences of lncRNA suppression through siRNA on signaling pathways associated with cancer, connecting theoretical understanding to practical applications. An evaluation of ongoing clinical trials and applications contributes to the discourse by revealing the potential for siRNA-mediated interventions to be practiced. Furthermore, an evaluation of the advantages and disadvantages of this therapeutic approach offers a nuanced viewpoint. In conclusion, the paper synthesizes significant discoveries and outlines potential avenues for future research, contributing to the dialogue surrounding personalized cancer therapeutics and precision medicine. Future challenges in using siRNA to target lncRNAs in oncology include optimizing delivery systems for efficient tumor cell uptake, minimizing off-target effects, enhancing RNA stability for a longer therapeutic window, and overcoming barriers in the tumor microenvironment. Addressing these factors is essential for the practical application of siRNA-based cancer therapies.

Long Non-Coding RNAs in Neuroblastoma: Pathogenesis, Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets

Neuroblastoma is the most common malignant extracranial solid tumor of childhood. Recent studies involving the application of advanced high-throughput "omics" techniques have revealed numerous genomic alterations, including aberrant coding-gene transcript levels and dysfunctional pathways, that drive the onset, growth, progression, and treatment resistance of neuroblastoma. Research conducted in the past decade has shown that long non-coding RNAs, once thought to be transcriptomic noise, play key roles in cancer development. With the recent and continuing increase in the amount of evidence for the underlying roles of long non-coding RNAs in neuroblastoma, the potential clinical implications of these RNAs cannot be ignored. In this review, we discuss their biological mechanisms of action in the context of the central driving mechanisms of neuroblastoma, focusing on potential contributions to the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of this disease. We also aim to provide a clear, integrated picture of future research opportunities.

Combinatorial targeting of telomerase and DNA-PK induces synergistic apoptotic effects against Pre-B acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells

BACKGROUND

Due to the high demand for novel approaches for leukemia-targeted therapy, this study investigates the impact of DNA-PK inhibitor NU7441 on the sensitivity of pre-B ALL cells to the telomerase inhibitor MST-312.

METHODS

The study involved NALM-6 cells treated with MST-312 and NU7441, assessing their viability and metabolic activity using trypan blue and MTT assays. The study also evaluated apoptosis, gene expression changes, and DNA damage using flow cytometry, qRT-PCR, and micronucleus assays. The binding energy of MST-312 in the active site of telomerase was calculated using molecular docking.

RESULTS

The study's findings revealed a synergistic decline in both cell viability and metabolic activity in NALM-6 cells when exposed to the combined treatment of MST-312 and NU7441, and this decrease occurred without any adverse effects on healthy PBMC cells. Furthermore, the combination treatment exhibited a significantly higher induction of apoptosis than treatment with MST-312 alone, as observed through flow cytometry assay. qRT-PCR analysis revealed that this enhanced apoptosis was associated with a notable downregulation of Bcl-2 expression and an upregulation of Bax gene expression. Moreover, the combination therapy decreased expression levels of hTERT and c-Myc genes. The micronucleus assay indicated that the combination treatment increased DNA damage in NALM-6 cells. Also, a good conformation between MST-312 and the active site of telomerase was revealed by docking data.

CONCLUSIONS

The study suggests that simultaneous inhibition of telomerase and DNA-PK in pre-B ALL presents a novel targeted therapy approach.