Abstract
Deep whole genome and transcriptome sequencing have highlighted the importance of an emerging class of non-coding RNA longer than 200 nucleotides (i.e., long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs)) that are involved in multiple cellular processes such as cell differentiation, embryonic development, and tissue homeostasis. Cancer is a prime example derived from a loss of homeostasis, primarily caused by genetic alterations both in the genomic and epigenetic landscape, which results in deregulation of the gene networks. Deregulation of the expression of many lncRNAs in samples, tissues or patients has been pointed out as a molecular regulator in carcinogenesis, with them acting as oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes. Herein, we summarize the distinct molecular regulatory mechanisms described in literature in which lncRNAs modulate carcinogenesis, emphasizing epigenetic and genetic alterations in particular. Furthermore, we also reviewed the current strategies used to block lncRNA oncogenic functions and their usefulness as potential therapeutic targets in several carcinomas.
Highlights
Academic Editor: Aamir AhmadOver recent years, advances in genomics have led to the discovery that the genome is far more pervasively transcribed than was previously appreciated
We summarize the main mechanisms by which long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) modulate different carcinomas and the current strategies used to downregulate the oncogene lncRNA expression involved in carcinomas
The study of the human transcriptome has shifted our understanding of gene expression and regulation. lncRNAs taking part in multiple cellular regulatory networks have revealed their importance in homeostasis, their implications in cancer, and their revolutionary effects on our perspective of the disease from its origins to the design of novel therapeutic strategies
Summary
Advances in genomics have led to the discovery that the genome is far more pervasively transcribed than was previously appreciated. Much of the newly discovered transcriptome appears to represent long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), a heterogeneous group of largely uncharacterized transcripts [1,2,3]. Regulation exerted by lncRNAs can be carried out both at the transcriptional level - epigenetic and genetic - or at the post-transcriptional level [25,26,27,28,29,30] These findings, and especially the cancer-specific expression of most of them, pointed to lncRNAs as possible biomarkers or therapeutic targets. We summarize the main mechanisms by which lncRNAs modulate different carcinomas and the current strategies used to downregulate the oncogene lncRNA expression involved in carcinomas
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
