Abstract
The majority of the genome is transcribed into pieces of non-(protein) coding RNA, among which long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) constitute a large group of particularly versatile molecules that govern basic cellular processes including transcription, splicing, RNA stability, and translation. The frequent deregulation of numerous lncRNAs in cancer is known to contribute to virtually all hallmarks of cancer. An important regulatory mechanism of lncRNAs is the post-transcriptional regulation mediated by RNA-binding proteins (RBPs). So far, however, only a small number of known cancer-associated lncRNAs have been found to be regulated by the interaction with RBPs like human antigen R (HuR), ARE/poly(U)-binding/degradation factor 1 (AUF1), insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 1 (IGF2BP1), and tristetraprolin (TTP). These RBPs regulate, by various means, two aspects in particular, namely the stability and the localization of lncRNAs. Importantly, these RBPs themselves are commonly deregulated in cancer and might thus play a major role in the deregulation of cancer-related lncRNAs. There are, however, still many open questions, for example regarding the context specificity of these regulatory mechanisms that, in part, is based on the synergistic or competitive interaction between different RBPs. There is also a lack of knowledge on how RBPs facilitate the transport of lncRNAs between different cellular compartments.
Highlights
The concept that RNA merely serves as an intermediate, conveying the genetic information encoded in the form of DNA to be translated into proteins, has long been overthrown [1,2]
In order to better understand these implications of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in cancer, it is necessary to understand how lncRNAs are regulated
In the case of cancer-associated lncRNAs, their regulation by RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) is of particular interest because RBPs themselves are frequently deregulated in various malignancies and could constitute a major contribution to the deregulation of lncRNAs
Summary
The concept that RNA merely serves as an intermediate, conveying the genetic information encoded in the form of DNA to be translated into proteins, has long been overthrown [1,2]. For example, spliced, 3 polyadenylated, and 5 capped, just like mRNAs [6,7] This post-transcriptional regulation is a crucial aspect in the life of both coding and non-coding RNAs and is primarily facilitated by RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), as they dynamically coordinate the maturation, transport, and stability of all types of RNA [53,54]. The RBPs that are discussed in this review (for a summary see Table 1) were chosen because they are, just like the lncRNAs they regulate, known to play a role in cancer Even though these examples do not cover all regulatory interactions between RBPs and lncRNAs they include well-known RBPs and extensively studied cancer-associated lncRNAs and give a comprehensive overview of the two main aspects of post-transcriptional regulation of lncRNAs, namely lncRNA stability on the one hand and lncRNA transport and localization on the other hand. Most likely by recruitment of the deadenylase complex CCR4–NOT
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
