LncRNA SNHG6 sponges miR-101 and induces tamoxifen resistance in breast cancer cells through induction of EMT

Exploring the enigma: history, present, and future of long non-coding RNAs in cancer

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), which are more than 200 nucleotides in length and do not encode proteins, play crucial roles in governing gene expression at both the transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels. These molecules demonstrate specific expression patterns in various tissues and developmental stages, suggesting their involvement in numerous developmental processes and diseases, notably cancer. Despite their widespread acknowledgment and the growing enthusiasm surrounding their potential as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, the precise mechanisms through which lncRNAs function remain inadequately understood. A few lncRNAs have been studied in depth, providing valuable insights into their biological activities and suggesting emerging functional themes and mechanistic models. However, the extent to which the mammalian genome is transcribed into functional noncoding transcripts is still a matter of debate. This review synthesizes our current understanding of lncRNA biogenesis, their genomic contexts, and their multifaceted roles in tumorigenesis, highlighting their potential in cancer-targeted therapy. By exploring historical perspectives alongside recent breakthroughs, we aim to illuminate the diverse roles of lncRNA and reflect on the broader implications of their study for understanding genome evolution and function, as well as for advancing clinical applications.

Therapeutic significance of long noncoding RNAs in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer

About 70% of cases of breast cancer are compromised by Estrogen-positive breast cancer. Through its regulation of several processes, including cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, and apoptosis, Estrogen signaling plays a pivotal role in the genesis and progression of this particular kind of breast cancer. One of the best treatment strategies for treating Estrogen-positive breast cancer is blocking Estrogen signaling. However, patients' treatment failure is mainly caused by the emergence of resistance and metastases, necessitating the development of novel therapeutic targets. Numerous studies have shown long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) to play a role in Estrogen-mediated carcinogenesis. These lncRNAs interact with co-regulators and the Estrogen signaling cascade components, primarily due to Estrogen activation. Vimentin and E-cadherin are examples of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition markers, and they regulate genes involved in cell cycle progression, such as Cyclins, to affect the growth, proliferation, and metastasis of Estrogen-positive breast cancer. Furthermore, a few of these lncRNAs contribute to developing resistance to chemotherapy, making them more desirable targets for enhancing results. Thus, to shed light on the creation of fresh approaches for treating this cancer, this review attempts to compile recently conducted studies on the relationship between lncRNAs and the advancement of Estrogen-positive breast cancer.

Harnessing the potential of long non-coding RNAs in breast cancer: from etiology to treatment resistance and clinical applications

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy among women and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths of females worldwide. It is a complex and molecularly heterogeneous disease, with various subtypes that require different treatment strategies. Despite advances in high-resolution single-cell and multinomial technologies, distant metastasis and therapeutic resistance remain major challenges for BC treatment. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are non-coding RNAs with more than 200 nucleotides in length. They act as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) to regulate post-transcriptional gene stability and modulate protein-protein, protein-DNA, and protein-RNA interactions to regulate various biological processes. Emerging evidence suggests that lncRNAs play essential roles in human cancers, including BC. In this review, we focus on the roles and mechanisms of lncRNAs in BC progression, metastasis, and treatment resistance, and discuss their potential value as therapeutic targets. Specifically, we summarize how lncRNAs are involved in the initiation and progression of BC, as well as their roles in metastasis and the development of therapeutic resistance. We also recapitulate the potential of lncRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers and discuss their potential use in personalized medicine. Finally, we provide lncRNA-based strategies to promote the prognosis of breast cancer patients in clinical settings, including the development of novel lncRNA-targeted therapies.

Non-coding RNAs mediated inflammation in breast cancers

Breast cancer is the major cancer that affects women all over the world. The awareness over past several decades has led to intensive screening and detection as well as successful treatments. Still, the breast cancer mortality is unacceptable and needs to be urgently addressed. Among many factors, inflammation has often been associated with tumorigenesis, including breast cancer. More than a third of all breast cancer deaths are marked by deregulated inflammation. The exact mechanisms are still not completely known but among the many putative factors, the epigenetic changes, particularly those mediated by non-coding RNAs are fascinating. microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs as well as circular RNAs seem to impact the inflammation in breast cancer which further highlights their important regulatory role in breast cancer pathogenesis. Understanding inflammation in breast cancer and its regulation by non-coding RNAs is the primary objective of this review article. We attempt to provide the most complete information on the topic in hopes of opening new areas of research and discoveries.

Stilbenes: a promising small molecule modulator for epigenetic regulation in human diseases

Stilbenes are characterized by a vinyl group connecting two benzene rings to form the basic parent nucleus. Hydrogen atoms on different positions of the benzene rings can be substituted with hydroQxyl groups. These unique structural features confer anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, anticancer, cardiovascular protective, and neuroprotective pharmacological effects upon these compounds. Numerous small molecule compounds have demonstrated these pharmacological activities in recent years, including Resveratrol, and Pterostilbene, etc. Tamoxifen and Raloxifene are FDA-approved commonly prescribed synthetic stilbene derivatives. The emphasis is on the potential of these small molecules and their structural derivatives as epigenetic regulators in various diseases. Stilbenes have been shown to modulate epigenetic marks, such as DNA methylation and histone modification, which can alter gene expression patterns and contribute to disease development. This review will discuss the mechanisms by which stilbenes regulate epigenetic marks in various diseases, as well as clinical trials, with a focus on the potential of small molecule and their derivatives such as Resveratrol, Pterostilbene, and Tamoxifen.

The role of long non-coding RNAs in breast cancer microenvironment

The tumor microenvironment (TME), which includes tumor cells, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, immune cells, and blood vessels, can affect tumor growth and metastasis. Studies have shown that tumor cells, fibroblasts, and macrophages can promote the development of tumors, while T and B cells can inhibit tumor progression. The crosstalk among different cells within the TME needs further study. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in biological processes, including cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation. The abnormal expression of certain lncRNAs is correlated with the progression of breast cancer and has been proven as diagnostic markers in various cancers, including breast cancer. In breast cancer, recent studies have shown that tumor cell- and non-tumor cell-derived lncRNAs can affect various facets of tumor progression, including growth, proliferation, and migration of tumor cells. Interestingly, in addition to being regulated by lncRNAs derived from tumor and non-tumor cells, the TME can regulate the expression of lncRNAs in tumor cells, fibroblasts, and macrophages, influencing their phenotype and function. However, the detailed molecular mechanisms of these phenomena remain unclear in the breast cancer microenvironment. Currently, many studies have shown that TME-associated lncRNAs are potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets for breast cancer. Considering that TME and lncRNAs can regulate each other, we summarize the role of lncRNAs in the breast cancer microenvironment and the potential of lncRNAs as valuable diagnostic markers.

Non-coding RNAs in the epigenetic landscape of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma

Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a type of cancer that affects skin, and is characterized by abnormal T-cells in the skin. Epigenetic changes have been found to play a significant role in the development and progression of CTCL. Recently, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), such as microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs, have been identified as key players in the regulation of gene expression in CTCL. These ncRNAs can alter the expression of genes involved in cell growth, differentiation, and apoptosis, leading to the development and progression of CTCL. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the role of ncRNAs in CTCL, including their involvement in DNA methylation, and other biological processes. We also discuss the types of ncRNAs, their role as oncogenic or tumor suppressive, and their putative use as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, based on the emerging evidence from laboratory-based as well as patients-based studies. Moreover, we also present the potential targets and pathways affected by ncRNAs. A better understanding of the complex epigenetic landscape of CTCL, including the role of ncRNAs, has the potential to lead to the development of novel targeted therapies for this disease.

LncRNA FAM83A-AS1 promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition of pancreatic cancer cells via Hippo pathway

BACKGROUND

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been proved to play a vital role in pancreatic cancer (PC). However, the role of lncRNA FAM83A-AS1 in PC remains unclear. In this study, we explored the biological function and underlying mechanism of FAM83A-AS1 in PC cells.

METHODS

The FAM83A-AS1 expression was assessed via public databases and validated by qRT-PCR. The biofunction and immune cell infiltration of FAM83A-AS1 were analyzed through GO, KEGG, GESA and ssGSEA. The migration, invasion and proliferation abilities of PC cells were examined by Transwell, wound healing, CCK8 and colony formation. The EMT and Hippo pathway markers were evaluated by western blot.

RESULTS

FAM83A-AS1 expression was higher in PC tissues and cells than normal. Additionally, FAM83A-AS1 was associated with poor prognosis of PC and involved in cadherin binding and immune infiltration. Subsequently, we proved FAM83A-AS1 overexpression enhanced the migration, invasion and proliferation abilities of PC cells, whereas FAM83A-AS1 downregulation inhibited those. Moreover, western blot results showed that FAM83A-AS1 knockdown increased the E-cadherin expression and decreased the expression of N-cadherin, β-catenin, Vimentin, Snail and Slug. On the contrary, FAM83A-AS1 upregulation results in the opposite effects. Besides, FAM83A-AS1 overexpression inhibited the expression of p-YAP, p-MOB1, p-Lats1, SAV1, MST1 and MST2 as well as the results of FAM83A-AS1 knockdown were opposite.

CONCLUSION

FAM83A-AS1 promoted EMT of PC cells via Hippo signaling inactivation and may be a potential diagnosis and prognosis target.

Epigenetic programing of cancer stemness by transcription factors-non-coding RNAs interactions

Cancer 'stemness' is fundamental to cancer existence. It defines the ability of cancer cells to indefinitely perpetuate as well as differentiate. Cancer stem cell populations within a growing tumor also help evade the inhibitory effects of chemo- as well as radiation-therapies, in addition to playing an important role in cancer metastases. NF-κB and STAT-3 are representative transcription factors (TFs) that have long been associated with cancer stemness, thus presenting as attractive targets for cancer therapy. The growing interest in non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in the recent years has provided further insight into the mechanisms by which TFs influence cancer stem cell characteristics. There is evidence for a direct regulation of TFs by ncRNAs, such as, microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) as well as circular RNAs (circRNAs), and vice versa. Additionally, the TF-ncRNAs regulations are often indirect, involving ncRNA-target genes or the sponging of other ncRNA species by individual ncRNAs. The information is rapidly evolving and this review provides a comprehensive review of TF-ncRNAs interactions with implications on cancer stemness and in response to therapies. Such knowledge will help uncover the many levels of tight regulations that control cancer stemness, providing novel opportunities and targets for therapy in the process.