Abstract
Long noncoding (lnc)RNAs have emerged as essential mediators of cellular biology, differentiation and malignant transformation. LncRNAs have a broad range of possible functions at the transcriptional, posttranscriptional and protein level and their aberrant expression significantly contributes to the hallmarks of cancer cell biology. In addition, their high tissue- and cell-type specificity makes lncRNAs especially interesting as biomarkers, prognostic factors or specific therapeutic targets. Here, we review current knowledge on lncRNA expression changes during normal B-cell development, indicating essential functions in the differentiation process. In addition we address lncRNA deregulation in B-cell malignancies, the putative prognostic value of this as well as the molecular functions of multiple deregulated lncRNAs. Altogether, the discussed work indicates major roles for lncRNAs in normal and malignant B cells affecting oncogenic pathways as well as the response to common therapeutics.
Highlights
It is less than a decade ago that a genome wide long noncoding RNA transcript expression profile has been reported for the first time (Cabili et al, 2011)
Evidence is accumulating that lncRNAs are significantly involved in B-cell development, lymphomagenesis and lymphoma cell biology
Besides the above-discussed studies there are other lines of evidence that point towards important roles for lncRNAs in lymphomagenesis
Summary
It is less than a decade ago that a genome wide long noncoding (lnc) RNA transcript expression profile has been reported for the first time (Cabili et al, 2011). LncRNA genes show higher sequence conservation than randomly selected genomic regions, this includes positional conservation as well as conservation of promoter regions, splice sites or the act of transcription itself (reviewed in (Ulitsky, 2016)). A recent large-scale lncRNA knockout screening in human cell lines identified for 50 out of 700 lncRNAs tested a significant effect on cancer cell growth (Zhu et al, 2016). The interaction of BCAR4 with SNIP1 releases its inhibitory effects on p300 histone acetylase, thereby causing increased H3K18 acetylation at migration-specific target gene loci. Cancer cells may become addicted to the expression of oncogenic lncRNAs. The melanomaspecific lncRNA SAMMSON is an example of a lncRNA excerting its function by binding to a protein and influencing its subcellular localization (Leucci et al, 2016). We provide an overview of the current knowledge on lncRNA expression changes in normal and malignant B cells, their potential clinical value as well as their molecular functions
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
