Emerging Contribution of PancRNAs in Cancer

Abstract

“Cancer” includes a heterogeneous group of diseases characterized by abnormal growth beyond natural boundaries. Neoplastic transformation of cells is orchestrated by multiple molecular players, including oncogenic transcription factors, epigenetic modifiers, RNA binding proteins, and coding and noncoding transcripts. The use of computational methods for global and quantitative analysis of RNA processing regulation provides new insights into the genomic and epigenomic features of the cancer transcriptome. In particular, noncoding RNAs are emerging as key molecular players in oncogenesis. Among them, the promoter-associated noncoding RNAs (pancRNAs) are noncoding transcripts acting in cis to regulate their host genes, including tumor suppressors and oncogenes. In this review, we will illustrate the role played by pancRNAs in cancer biology and will discuss the latest findings that connect pancRNAs with cancer risk and progression. The molecular mechanisms involved in the function of pancRNAs may open the path to novel therapeutic opportunities, thus expanding the repertoire of targets to be tested as anticancer agents in the near future.

Non-Coding RNAs: Foes or Friends for Targeting Tumor Microenvironment

“…The lncRNA group includes promoter-associated RNA (paRNA) [174] (Figure 2E). The mechanism of action of paRNA may be associated with the formation of complexes that affect epigenetic modulation.…”

The RNA world: from experimental laboratory to "in silico" approach. Part 1: User friendly RNA expression databases portals

“…The aim of this work is to explain the probable advantages of RNA examining and to extend current knowledge to include technologies and tools used in this field [1][2][3].…”