Long non-coding RNAs in cutaneous biology and proliferative skin diseases: Advances and perspectives.

Lipeng Tang,Xiaozhi Yang,Hesong Xie,Guangjuan Zheng,Yongxin Liang

doi:10.1111/cpr.12698

Abstract

Advances in transcriptome sequencing have revealed that the genome fraction largely encodes for thousands of non‐coding RNAs. Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs), which are a class of non–protein‐coding RNAs longer than approximately 200 nucleotides in length, are emerging as key epigenetic regulators of gene expression recently. Intensive studies have characterized their crucial roles in cutaneous biology and diseases. In this review, we address the promotive or suppressive effects of lncRNAs on cutaneous physiological processes. Then, we focus on the pathogenic role of dysfunctional lncRNAs in a variety of proliferative skin diseases. These evidences suggest that lncRNAs have indispensable roles in the processes of skin biology. Additionally, lncRNAs might be promising biomarkers and therapeutic targets for cutaneous disorders.

Highlights

Skin, which is the largest organ in the human body, accounts for almost 15% of the total adult bodyweight
We summarize an overview of current knowledge regarding the roles of long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in skin biology and disease, discussing the challenges and the potential clinical applications that they offer
urothelial cancer associated 1 (UCA1) negatively modulated the CREB‐MiTF‐melanogenesis axis through inhibiting the cAMP/PKA, ERK and JNK signalling pathways in melanocytes. These results indicate that lncRNA can modulate melanocyte functions by promoting their proliferation and reducing their melanogenesis

Summary

Introduction

Skin, which is the largest organ in the human body, accounts for almost 15% of the total adult bodyweight. Dysfunctional lncRNAs, which result in aberrant keratinocyte differentiation and disturbances of epidermal homeostasis, have been implicated in the pathogenesis of several hyperproliferative skin diseases, such as cutaneous squamous cancer, melanoma, psoriasis, hypertrophic scar and haemangioma (Figure 4).

Results

Conclusion