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Sumaira S, Vijayarathna S, Hemagirri M, Adnan M, Hassan MI, Patel M, Gupta R, Shanmugapriya, Chen Y, Gopinath SC, Kanwar JR, Sasidharan S. Plant bioactive compounds driven microRNAs (miRNAs): A potential source and novel strategy targeting gene and cancer therapeutics. Noncoding RNA Res 2024; 9:1140-1158. [PMID: 39022680 PMCID: PMC11250886 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncrna.2024.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Irrespective of medical technology improvements, cancer ranks among the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Although numerous cures and treatments exist, creating alternative cancer therapies with fewer adverse side effects is vital. Since ancient times, plant bioactive compounds have already been used as a remedy to heal cancer. These plant bioactive compounds and their anticancer activity can also deregulate the microRNAs (miRNAs) in the cancerous cells. Therefore, the deregulation of miRNAs in cancer cells by plant bioactive compounds and the usage of the related miRNA could be a promising approach for cancer cure, mainly to prevent cancer and overcome chemotherapeutic side effect problems. Hence, this review highlights the function of plant bioactive compounds as an anticancer agent through the underlying mechanism that alters the miRNA expression in cancer cells, ultimately leading to apoptosis. Moreover, this review provides insight into using plant bioactive compounds -driven miRNAs as an anticancer agent to develop miRNA-based cancer gene therapy. They can be the potential resource for gene therapy and novel strategies targeting cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahreen Sumaira
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, USM, 11800, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - Soundararajan Vijayarathna
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, USM, 11800, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - Manisekaran Hemagirri
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, USM, 11800, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Adnan
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Hail, Hail, P.O. Box 2440, Saudi Arabia
| | - Md Imtaiyaz Hassan
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi, 110025, India
| | - Mitesh Patel
- Research and Development Cell and Department of Biotechnology, Parul Institute of Applied Sciences, Parul University, Vadodara, 391760, Gujarat, India
| | - Reena Gupta
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, Department. Pharmaceutical Research, GLA University, Mathura, India
| | - Shanmugapriya
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, USM, 11800, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - Yeng Chen
- Department of Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Subash C.B. Gopinath
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering Technology, Universiti Malaysia Perlis, Perlis, Malaysia
| | - Jagat R. Kanwar
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), 174001, Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Sreenivasan Sasidharan
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, USM, 11800, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
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Choi SS, Kim SE, Oh SY, Ahn YH. Clinical Implications of Circulating Circular RNAs in Lung Cancer. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10040871. [PMID: 35453621 PMCID: PMC9028053 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10040871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are single-stranded RNAs with a covalently closed-loop structure that increases their stability; thus, they are more advantageous to use as liquid biopsy markers than linear RNAs. circRNAs are thought to be generated by back-splicing of pre-mRNA transcripts, which can be facilitated by reverse complementary sequences in the flanking introns and trans-acting factors, such as splicing regulatory factors and RNA-binding factors. circRNAs function as miRNA sponges, interact with target proteins, regulate the stability and translatability of other mRNAs, regulate gene expression, and produce microproteins. circRNAs are also found in the body fluids of cancer patients, including plasma, saliva, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid, and these “circulating circRNAs” can be used as cancer biomarkers. In lung cancer, some circulating circRNAs have been reported to regulate cancer progression and drug resistance. Circulating circRNAs have significant diagnostic value and are associated with the prognosis of lung cancer patients. Owing to their functional versatility, heightened stability, and practical applicability, circulating circRNAs represent promising biomarkers for lung cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sae Seul Choi
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 07804, Korea; (S.S.C.); (S.E.K.)
| | - Sae Eun Kim
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 07804, Korea; (S.S.C.); (S.E.K.)
| | - Seon Young Oh
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 07804, Korea;
- Inflammation-Cancer Microenvironment Research Center, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 07804, Korea
| | - Young-Ho Ahn
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 07804, Korea; (S.S.C.); (S.E.K.)
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 07804, Korea;
- Inflammation-Cancer Microenvironment Research Center, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 07804, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-2-6986-6268
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MiRNA Expression in Neuroendocrine Neoplasms of Frequent Localizations. Noncoding RNA 2021; 7:ncrna7030038. [PMID: 34202122 PMCID: PMC8293323 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna7030038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NEN) are infrequent malignant tumors of a neuroendocrine nature that arise in various organs. They occur most frequently in the lungs, intestines, stomach and pancreas. Molecular diagnostics and prognosis of NEN development are highly relevant. The role of clinical biomarkers can be played by microRNAs (miRNAs). This work is devoted to the analysis of data on miRNA expression in NENs. For the first time, a search for specificity or a community of their functional characteristics in different types of NEN was carried out. Their properties as biomarkers were also analyzed. To date, more than 100 miRNAs have been characterized as differentially expressed and significant for the development of NEN tumors. Only about 10% of the studied miRNAs are expressed in several types of NEN; differential expression of the remaining 90% was found only in tumors of specific localizations. A significant number of miRNAs have been identified as potential biomarkers. However, only a few miRNAs have values that characterized their quality as markers. The analysis demonstrates the predominant specific expression of miRNA in each studied type of NEN. This indicates that miRNA’s functional features are predominantly influenced by the tissue in which they are formed.
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Cui Y, Huang S, Cao J, Ye J, Huang H, Liao D, Yang Y, Chen W, Pu R. Combined targeting of vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGFC) and P65 using miR-27b-3p agomir and lipoteichoic acid in the treatment of gastric cancer. J Gastrointest Oncol 2021; 12:121-132. [PMID: 33708430 DOI: 10.21037/jgo-21-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Gastric cancer is the second leading cancer-related mortality worldwide and more effective treatment strategies are urgently needed to combat the disease. Using lipoteichoic acid (LTA) and miR-27b-3p agomir, we aimed to assess the efficacy of this combination of therapies in treating gastric cancer. Methods The RNA levels of miR-27b-3p, FOXO3, MET, KRAS, vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGFC), TSC1, and P65 were analyzed by quantified-PCR (Q-PCR) and the cell viability of AGS cells was analyzed by MTT. Confirm Luciferase reporter assays were used to explore the putative miR-27b-3p binding sites and Western blot analyzed the protein level of GAPDH, VEGFC, P65, AKT, and phosphorylated-AKT (p-AKT). The level of P65 in both the cytoplasm and nucleus of AGS cells was visualized by immunofluorescence assay. Subcutaneous xenograft models of gastric cancer were established, and mice were treated with miR-27b-3p agomir, LTA, or both. Hematoxylin-eosin staining and Ki-67 immunohistochemistry analysis of tumor tissues were then performed. Results The results showed that the decreased expression of miR-27b-3p in gastric cancer cell lines inhibited the viability of AGS cells, and VEGFC was confirmed as the target of miR-27b-3p. In addition, ectopic expression of miR-27b-3p significantly inhibited the AKT pathway in AGS and N87 cells, and LTA suppressed the proliferation of gastric cancer cells by inhibiting the NF-κB pathway. In an established xenograft model, both miR-27b-3p agomir alone and LTA treatment alone inhibited tumor growth and treatment which combined the two showed an even stronger inhibitory effect. Conclusions Taken together, the combined use of LTA and miR-27b-3p agomir exhibited a synergistic effect in the treatment of gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yejia Cui
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, SSL Central Hospital of Dongguan City, Dongguan Third Clinical Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Shaolong Huang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, SSL Central Hospital of Dongguan City, Dongguan Third Clinical Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China.,Department of Clinical Laboratory, Binhaiwan Central Hospital of Dongguan, Dongguan, China
| | - Jin Cao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, SSL Central Hospital of Dongguan City, Dongguan Third Clinical Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Jinjun Ye
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, SSL Central Hospital of Dongguan City, Dongguan Third Clinical Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Haohai Huang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, SSL Central Hospital of Dongguan City, Dongguan Third Clinical Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Dan Liao
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, SSL Central Hospital of Dongguan City, Dongguan Third Clinical Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Yufeng Yang
- Department of Pathology, SSL Central Hospital of Dongguan City, Dongguan Third Clinical Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Wanchan Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, SSL Central Hospital of Dongguan City, Dongguan Third Clinical Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Rong Pu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, SSL Central Hospital of Dongguan City, Dongguan Third Clinical Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
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Pełka K, Klicka K, Grzywa TM, Gondek A, Marczewska JM, Garbicz F, Szczepaniak K, Paskal W, Włodarski PK. miR-96-5p, miR-134-5p, miR-181b-5p and miR-200b-3p heterogenous expression in sites of prostate cancer versus benign prostate hyperplasia-archival samples study. Histochem Cell Biol 2020; 155:423-433. [PMID: 33331954 PMCID: PMC8021536 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-020-01941-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs are involved in various pathologies including cancer. The aim of the study was to assess the level of expression of miR-96-5p, -134-5p, -181b-5p, -200b-3p in FFPE samples of prostate cancer, adjacent cancer-free tissue, and benign prostatic hyperplasia. Samples of 23 FFPE prostate cancer and 22 benign prostatic hyperplasias were dissected and HE stained. Compartments of tumor tissue and adjacent healthy glandular tissue were isolated from each sample using Laser Capture Microdissection. Total RNA was isolated from dissected tissues. Expression of miR-96-5p, miR-134-5p, 181b-5p, and miR-200b-3p was determined by real-time RT-qPCR method. The expression of miR-200b-3p was significantly higher in cancerous prostate: both in adenocarcinomatous glands and in the adjacent, apparently unaffected glands compared to BPH samples. The expression of miR-181b-5p was lower in in both prostate cancer tissues and adjacent tissue compared to BPH samples. Expression of miR-96-5p and miR-134-5p was lower in prostate cancer tissues compared to BPH. Levels of miR-96-5p, miR-134-5p, and 181b-5p negatively correlated with the Gleason score. Given further studies, miR-96-5p, miR-134-5p and especially miR-200b-3p and miR-181b-5p may differentiate BPH and PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kacper Pełka
- The Department of Methodology, Center for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, 1B Banacha Street, 02-097, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Klaudia Klicka
- The Department of Methodology, Center for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, 1B Banacha Street, 02-097, Warsaw, Poland.,Doctoral School, Medical University of Warsaw, 61 Żwirki i Wigury Street, 02-091, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Tomasz M Grzywa
- The Department of Methodology, Center for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, 1B Banacha Street, 02-097, Warsaw, Poland.,Doctoral School, Medical University of Warsaw, 61 Żwirki i Wigury Street, 02-091, Warsaw, Poland.,Department of Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, 5 Nielubowicza Street, 02-097, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agata Gondek
- The Department of Methodology, Center for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, 1B Banacha Street, 02-097, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Janina M Marczewska
- The Department of Pathology, Medical University of Warsaw, 7 Pawińskiego Street, 02-106, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Filip Garbicz
- The Department of Methodology, Center for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, 1B Banacha Street, 02-097, Warsaw, Poland.,Postgraduate School of Molecular Medicine, 61 Żwirki i Wigury Street, 02-091, Warsaw, Poland.,Department of Experimental Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, 14 Indiry Gandhi Street, 02-776, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Kinga Szczepaniak
- The Department of Methodology, Center for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, 1B Banacha Street, 02-097, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Wiktor Paskal
- The Department of Methodology, Center for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, 1B Banacha Street, 02-097, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Paweł K Włodarski
- The Department of Methodology, Center for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, 1B Banacha Street, 02-097, Warsaw, Poland
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Kipkeeva F, Muzaffarova T, Korotaeva A, Nikulin M, Grishina K, Mansorunov D, Apanovich P, Karpukhin A. MicroRNA in Gastric Cancer Development: Mechanisms and Biomarkers. Diagnostics (Basel) 2020; 10:E891. [PMID: 33142817 PMCID: PMC7692123 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics10110891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common and difficult diseases to treat. The study of signaling pathway regulation by microRNA provides information on the mechanisms of GC development and is the basis for biomarker creation. In this study, a circuit of microRNA interactions with signaling pathways was constructed. The microRNAs, associated with metastasis and chemoresistance, are described. In most cases, microRNAs in GC regulate the Wnt/β-catenin, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, RAS/RAF/ERK/MAPK, NF-kB, TGF-β, and JAK/STAT pathways. Part of the microRNA acts on several target genes that function in different pathways. This often leads to an intensification of the induced processes. MicroRNAs have also been described that have the opposite effect on different pathways, causing different functional consequences. By acting on several target genes, or genes associated with several pathways, microRNAs can function in a signaling network. MicroRNAs associated with metastasis most often interact with the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. MicroRNAs affecting chemoresistance, in most cases, affect the regulators of apoptosis and are associated with the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. The characteristics of microRNAs proposed as candidates for GC biomarkers were analyzed. The currently developed diagnostic and prognostic panels of microRNAs are also considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatimat Kipkeeva
- Research Centre for Medical Genetics, 1 Moskvorechye St., Moscow 115522, Russia; (F.K.); (T.M.); (A.K.); (K.G.); (D.M.); (P.A.)
| | - Tatyana Muzaffarova
- Research Centre for Medical Genetics, 1 Moskvorechye St., Moscow 115522, Russia; (F.K.); (T.M.); (A.K.); (K.G.); (D.M.); (P.A.)
| | - Alexandra Korotaeva
- Research Centre for Medical Genetics, 1 Moskvorechye St., Moscow 115522, Russia; (F.K.); (T.M.); (A.K.); (K.G.); (D.M.); (P.A.)
| | - Maxim Nikulin
- N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology of the Ministry of Health of Russia, 24 Kashirskoe Shosse, Moscow 115478, Russia;
| | - Kristina Grishina
- Research Centre for Medical Genetics, 1 Moskvorechye St., Moscow 115522, Russia; (F.K.); (T.M.); (A.K.); (K.G.); (D.M.); (P.A.)
| | - Danzan Mansorunov
- Research Centre for Medical Genetics, 1 Moskvorechye St., Moscow 115522, Russia; (F.K.); (T.M.); (A.K.); (K.G.); (D.M.); (P.A.)
| | - Pavel Apanovich
- Research Centre for Medical Genetics, 1 Moskvorechye St., Moscow 115522, Russia; (F.K.); (T.M.); (A.K.); (K.G.); (D.M.); (P.A.)
| | - Alexander Karpukhin
- Research Centre for Medical Genetics, 1 Moskvorechye St., Moscow 115522, Russia; (F.K.); (T.M.); (A.K.); (K.G.); (D.M.); (P.A.)
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林 爱, 卜 文, 汪 萍, 高 继, 杨 建, 丁 飞, 李 铁. [miR-449a/b negatively regulates E2F1 to suppress proliferation of gastric cancer cells]. NAN FANG YI KE DA XUE XUE BAO = JOURNAL OF SOUTHERN MEDICAL UNIVERSITY 2020; 40:13-19. [PMID: 32376557 PMCID: PMC7040752 DOI: 10.12122/j.issn.1673-4254.2020.01.03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the possible role of miR-449a/b in the occurrence of gastric cancer. METHODS The expression of miR-449a/b and E2F1 mRNA in gastric cancer cells BGC-823 and gastric mucosal cells GES-1 were detected with qRT-PCR. miR-449a/b mimics or a negative control was transiently transfected into BGC-823 cells, and the changes in cell proliferation, apoptosis, and migration ability were assessed using CCK-8 assay, flow cytometry, and scratch wound healing assay, respectively. Western blotting was used to observe the effects of miR-449a/b upregulation on its target gene expression. The effects of transfection with an E2F1-over-expressing plasmid or an empty plasmid were analyzed on the expression level of miR-449a/b in BGC-823 cells using qRT-PCR and digital PCR. RESULTS The gastric cancer cell line BGC-823 showed significantly a lowered expression of miR-449a/b compared with the normal gastric mucosal cell line GES-1 (P < 0.01). Overexpression of miR-449a/b obviously inhibited the proliferation and migration and promoted apoptosis of BGC-823 cells (P < 0.05). Overexpression E2F1 in the cells resulted in significantly up-regulated expression of miR-449a/b (P < 0.001). Upregulation of miR-449a/b caused significant down-regulation of its direct target genes CDK4 and CDK6 and also of the expression of E2F1 protein via the CDKs-pRb-E2F1 signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS The low expression of miR-449a/b and the high expression of E2F1 are both involved in the occurrence and progression of gastric cancer, and miR-449a/b negatively regulates E2F1 to inhibit the proliferation of gastric cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- 爱琴 林
- 皖南医学院 医学生物学教研室,安徽 芜湖 241002Department of Medical Biology, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu 241002, China
| | - 文婕 卜
- 皖南医学院 医学生物学教研室,安徽 芜湖 241002Department of Medical Biology, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu 241002, China
| | - 萍 汪
- 皖南医学院 医学生物学教研室,安徽 芜湖 241002Department of Medical Biology, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu 241002, China
| | - 继光 高
- 皖南医学院 医学生物学教研室,安徽 芜湖 241002Department of Medical Biology, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu 241002, China
| | - 建课 杨
- 皖南医学院 医学生物学教研室,安徽 芜湖 241002Department of Medical Biology, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu 241002, China
| | - 飞雨 丁
- 皖南医学院 临床医学院,安徽 芜湖 241002Clinical College of Medicine, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu 241002, China
| | - 铁臣 李
- 皖南医学院 医学生物学教研室,安徽 芜湖 241002Department of Medical Biology, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu 241002, China
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Pardini B, Sabo AA, Birolo G, Calin GA. Noncoding RNAs in Extracellular Fluids as Cancer Biomarkers: The New Frontier of Liquid Biopsies. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:E1170. [PMID: 31416190 PMCID: PMC6721601 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11081170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Revised: 08/04/2019] [Accepted: 08/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The last two decades of cancer research have been devoted in two directions: (1) understanding the mechanism of carcinogenesis for an effective treatment, and (2) improving cancer prevention and screening for early detection of the disease. This last aspect has been developed, especially for certain types of cancers, thanks also to the introduction of new concepts such as liquid biopsies and precision medicine. In this context, there is a growing interest in the application of alternative and noninvasive methodologies to search for cancer biomarkers. The new frontiers of the research lead to a search for RNA molecules circulating in body fluids. Searching for biomarkers in extracellular body fluids represents a better option for patients because they are easier to access, less painful, and potentially more economical. Moreover, the possibility for these types of samples to be taken repeatedly, allows a better monitoring of the disease progression or treatment efficacy for a better intervention and dynamic treatment of the patient, which is the fundamental basis of personalized medicine. RNA molecules, freely circulating in body fluids or packed in microvesicles, have all the characteristics of the ideal biomarkers owing to their high stability under storage and handling conditions and being able to be sampled several times for monitoring. Moreover, as demonstrated for many cancers, their plasma/serum levels mirror those in the primary tumor. There are a large variety of RNA species noncoding for proteins that could be used as cancer biomarkers in liquid biopsies. Among them, the most studied are microRNAs, but recently the attention of the researcher has been also directed towards Piwi-interacting RNAs, circular RNAs, and other small noncoding RNAs. Another class of RNA species, the long noncoding RNAs, is larger than microRNAs and represents a very versatile and promising group of molecules which, apart from their use as biomarkers, have also a possible therapeutic role. In this review, we will give an overview of the most common noncoding RNA species detectable in extracellular fluids and will provide an update concerning the situation of the research on these molecules as cancer biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Pardini
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy.
- Unit of Molecular Epidemiology and Exposome, Italian Institute for Genomic Medicine (IIGM), 10126 Turin, Italy.
| | - Alexandru Anton Sabo
- Department of Pediatrics, Marie Curie Emergency Clinical Hospital for Children, 077120 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Giovanni Birolo
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy
- Unit of Molecular Epidemiology and Exposome, Italian Institute for Genomic Medicine (IIGM), 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - George Adrian Calin
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
- Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNAs, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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