Long Non-Coding RNA (lncRNA) in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Biological Function and Clinical Application

Abstract

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a type of malignancy with high mortality, leading to poor prognosis worldwide. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying OSCC carcinogenesis have not been fully understood. Recently, the discovery and characterization of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have revealed their regulatory importance in OSCC. Abnormal expression of lncRNAs has been broadly implicated in the initiation and progress of tumors. In this review, we summarize the functions and molecular mechanisms regarding these lncRNAs in OSCC. In addition, we highlight the crosstalk between lncRNA and tumor microenvironment (TME), and discuss the potential applications of lncRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic tools and therapeutic targets in OSCC. Notably, we also discuss lncRNA-targeted therapeutic techniques including CRISPR-Cas9 as well as immune checkpoint therapies to target lncRNA and the PD-1/PD-L1 axis. Therefore, this review presents the future perspectives of lncRNAs in OSCC therapy, but more research is needed to allow the applications of these findings to the clinic.

The role of long non-coding RNA ANRIL in the development of atherosclerosis

“…LncRNAs are characterized by their large number, variety and mode of action. At present, there is no uniform classification standard for lncRNAs [ [18] , [19] , [20] ]. According to the localization of lncRNAs in cells, they can be divided into cytoplasmic lncRNAs and cytosolic lncRNAs, some of which are located in both the nucleus and the cytoplasm [ 21 , 22 ].…”

Clinical Perspectives of Non-Coding RNA in Oral Inflammatory Diseases and Neuropathic Pain: A Narrative Review

“…Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a premalignant epithelial oral lesion, with the potential to malignantly transform [ 33 ]. Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a malignant epithelial tumor with low overall survival rates and poor prognosis, regardless of the advances in surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy [ 34 ]. Growing evidence supports an association between oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and chronic inflammation and the involvement of long non-coding transcriptome alterations [ 34 ].…”

Regulation of Ferroptosis by Non-Coding RNAs in Head and Neck Cancers

“…Similar to lncRNAs, circRNAs can directly bind to downstream proteins and affect their functions. Numerous reviews have summarized the potential contribution of these non-coding RNAs in the malignant progression of HNSCC via regulation of cell proliferation, metastasis potential, glucose metabolism, drug resistance, cancer stemness, and so on [ 47 , 48 , 49 ]. Likewise, accumulating data indicated that non-coding RNAs may also play a significant role in the regulation of ferroptosis in HNSCC, so we briefly discussed the research progress and aimed to explore and identify the possible molecular markers and therapeutic targets.…”