Relationship of transposable elements with long non-coding RNAs and peptides in carcinogenesis

Abstract

It has been proven that 98 % of the human genome is transcribed. The main part of resulting molecules after their processing function as various RNA molecules, among which the best known are long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) and microRNA. There are 126,000 lncRNA genes in humans that regulate transcription, translation, histone modifications, heterochromatin formation, splicing, microRNA expression and formation, and matrix RNA (mRNA) post-transcriptional modifications. An important property of lncRNAs is their mutual and self-regulation by peptides formed during their translation, which also affect the expression of protein-coding genes. This property may be due to origin of lncRNAs from transposable elements and is a conservative evolutionary characteristic of lncRNA, as one of properties in formation of new genes for variability and adaptation. The role of lncRNAs originating from retroelements and microRNAs formed during their processing in the specific regulation of genes involved in carcinogenesis has been proven. The peptides formed during lncRNA translation can be used as universal tools for targeted therapy of malignant neoplasms. Analysis of the scientific literature made it possible to describe 21 lncRNAs that are translated to form peptides involved in specific tumors pathogenesis. Since the ability of lncRNA to self-regulate by products of its own translation, which is characteristic of all lncRNAs, is also a property of transposable elements, it is promising to study transposons and their relationship with lncRNAs for designing new therapeutic models.