An emerging role for long non-coding RNAs in cancer metastasis

Abstract

Metastasis is a multistep process beginning with the dissemination of tumor cells from a primary site and leading to secondary tumor development in an anatomically distant location. Although significant progress has been made in understanding the molecular characteristics of metastasis, many questions remain regarding the intracellular mechanisms governing transition through the various metastatic stages. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are capable of modulating both transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation, and thus, coordinating a wide array of diverse cellular processes. Current evidence indicates that lncRNAs may also play a crucial role in the metastatic process through regulation of metastatic signaling cascades as well as interaction with specific metastatic factors. Here we summarize a subset of lncRNAs with proposed roles in metastasis and, when applicable, highlight the mechanism by which they function.

Long Noncoding RNA CRNDE Promotes Proliferation of Gastric Cancer Cells by Targeting miR-145

“…Recently, accumulated evidence on lncRNA has indicated that dysregulation of lncRNA may not only affect the regulation of the eukaryotic genome, but also provide a growth advantage to malignant cells, resulting in progressive and uncontrolled tumor growth [21, 22]. Therefore, lncRNAs may provide a missing piece to help complete the puzzle of the oncogenic and tumor suppressor network.…”

The lncRNA SLNCR1 Mediates Melanoma Invasion through a Conserved SRA1-like Region

“…Dysregulated lncRNA expression has recently been linked to many cancers (Li et al, 2013a). LncRNAs may act as oncogenes or tumor suppressors, with an emerging role specifically in cancer metastasis (Serviss et al, 2014). Recent studies implicate lncRNAs in melanomagenesis, though their exact role in melanoma etiology is poorly understood because their molecular and biological functions are obscure (Flockhart et al, 2012; Khaitan et al, 2011; Tang et al, 2013; Tian et al, 2014; Wu et al, 2013).…”

LNMICC Promotes Nodal Metastasis of Cervical Cancer by Reprogramming Fatty Acid Metabolism

“…However, to date, the exact mechanisms through which lncRNAs regulate LN metastasis in cervical cancer remain elusive. Current evidence demonstrates that lncRNAs play both pro-and anti-metastatic roles via the regulation of EMT and angiogenesis as well as binding to certain metastatic factors [21]. In addition, lncRNAs, as key transcriptional regulators of central metabolic pathways, can provide proliferating advantages through significantly enhancing the biosynthesis of FA [22].…”