Long Noncoding RNA s and Tumorigenesis

Abstract

Abstract In contrast to the long time, well‐established knowledge about the majority of human genome to be only ‘junk DNA ’, it turned out that a great part of it is being pervasively transcribed. Among noncoding transcripts, long noncoding RNA s ( lncRNA s) represent the most prevalent and functionally heterogeneous group of noncoding RNA s ( ncRNA s). Despite only a few lncRNA s being well characterised, their biological meaning, mechanisms of function and their importance for normal development is being more and more recognised. Many studies in recent years have shown that the changes in lncRNA s expression and function are associated with some fundamental biological processes and various disease states, most notably cancer. In cancer, the function of lncRNA s shows through altered expression patterns in different tumour types and as such they represent potential diagnostic/prognostic biomarkers and new potential targets for cancer treatment. Key Concepts lncRNAs are important components of numerous biological pathways of cellular growth, cell division and differentiation. lncRNAs directly or indirectly regulate the expression of protein‐coding genes on epigenetic, transcriptional and post‐transcriptional level. Aberrant lncRNA expression leads to cell dysfunction and disease progression. lncRNAs are potential drivers of various diseases, most notably of cancer. They represent useful diagnostic biomarkers and indicators of patient's prognosis. lncRNAs represent ideal candidates for targeted gene therapy.