Exosomal long non-coding RNAs: novel molecules in gastrointestinal cancers’ progression and diagnosis

Abstract

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers arise in the GI tract and accessory organs, including the mouth, esophagus, stomach, liver, biliary tract, pancreas, small intestine, large intestine, and rectum. GI cancers are a major cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. Exosomes act as mediators of cell-to-cell communication, with pleiotropic activity in the regulation of homeostasis, and can be markers for diseases. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), such as long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), can be transported by exosomes derived from tumor cells or non-tumor cells. They can be taken by recipient cells to alter their function or remodel the tumor microenvironment. Moreover, due to their uniquely low immunogenicity and excellent stability, exosomes can be used as natural carriers for therapeutic ncRNAs in vivo. Exosomal lncRNAs have a crucial role in regulating several cancer processes, including angiogenesis, proliferation, drug resistance, metastasis, and immunomodulation. Exosomal lncRNA levels frequently alter according to the onset and progression of cancer. Exosomal lncRNAs can therefore be employed as biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of cancer. Exosomal lncRNAs can also monitor the patient’s response to chemotherapy while also serving as potential targets for cancer treatment. Here, we discuss the role of exosomal lncRNAs in the biology and possible future treatment of GI cancer.

In Silico Bioinformatics Analysis on the Role of Long Non-Coding RNAs as Drivers and Gatekeepers of Androgen-Independent Prostate Cancer Using LNCaP and PC-3 Cells

“…Exosomal lncRNAs have increased stability as they are protected by the exosomal membrane structures. It is for this reason that TUG1 can be targeted as a prognostic and diagnostic biomarker [ 35 ]. The lncRNA LINC00657 is a linked with DNA damage [ 36 ] and it is carcinogenic in gastric cancer [ 37 ].…”

Prospects of liquid biopsy in the prognosis and clinical management of gastrointestinal cancers

“…Like an exosomal lncRNA, FRLnc1 is reported to signify poor survival and chances of recurrence and can also represent lymph node and distant metastasis ( Kurnick et al, 2019 ; Zhang et al, 2021 ). There are also a wide range of exosomal miRNAs that potentially have diagnostic and prognostic applications in various gastrointestinal cancers ( Gao et al, 2018 ; Roshani et al, 2022 ).…”

Integrated analysis of circulating cell free nucleic acids for cancer genotyping and immune phenotyping of tumor microenvironment

“…The long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) has also gathered attention of cancer researchers in the last decades ( Roshani et al, 2022 ). The lncRNA can be derived from exosomes and has been known to play a role in metastasis, therapy resistance, tumor growth, and angiogenesis.…”