Long non-coding RNAs and their potential impact on diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy in prostate cancer: racial, ethnic, and geographical considerations

Abstract

Introduction: Advances in high-throughput sequencing have greatly advanced our understanding of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in a relatively short period of time. This has expanded our knowledge of cancer, particularly how lncRNAs drive many important cancer phenotypes via their regulation of gene expression. Areas covered: Men of African descent are disproportionately affected by PC in terms of incidence, morbidity, and mortality. LncRNAs could serve as biomarkers to differentiate low-risk from high-risk diseases. Additionally, they may represent therapeutic targets for advanced and castrate-resistant cancer. We review current research surrounding lncRNAs and their association with PC. We discuss how lncRNAs can provide new insights and diagnostic biomarkers for African American men. Finally, we review advances in computational approaches that predict the regulatory effects of lncRNAs in cancer. Expert opinion: PC diagnostic biomarkers that offer high specificity and sensitivity are urgently needed. PC specific lncRNAs are compelling as diagnostic biomarkers owing to their high tissue and tumor specificity and presence in bodily fluids. Recent studies indicate that PCA3 clinical utility might be restricted to men of European descent. Further work is required to develop lncRNA biomarkers tailored for men of African descent.

Personalized 3-Gene Panel for Prostate Cancer Target Therapy

“…Some therapies that work against the consequences of altered genes (e.g., use of olaparib for HRR gene-mutated metastatic castrationresistant prostate cancer [70,71]) were already granted FDA approval (all FDA-approved therapies for PCa are listed in Reference [72] and partially discussed in Reference [73]). Gene therapy targets not only protein-coding genes but also long non-coding RNAs [74] and microRNAs [75]. PCa FDA-approved therapies also include inhibitors of the androgen receptor signaling, such as enzalutamide [76,77] and darolutamide [78,79].…”

The Role of Long Non-Coding RNAs in Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition-Related Signaling Pathways in Prostate Cancer

“…LncRNAs may act as oncogenes or tumor suppressors in PCa and participate in the invasion and metastasis of PCa ( Xu et al, 2019 ; Lu et al, 2021 ). Functionally, lncRNAs possess important application potential in the occurrence and development, early diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of PCa ( Ramnarine et al, 2019 ; Morgan et al, 2021 ). An influential application of lncRNA in PCa diagnosis is the detection of PCA3 ( Hessels and Schalken, 2009 ; Morgan et al, 2021 ), which could regulate the expression of AR signaling pathway and critical genes involved in the carcinogenesis and development of PCa, including EMT-related genes ( Ferreira et al, 2012 ; Lemos et al, 2019 ; Ghafouri-Fard et al, 2022 ).…”

“…Functionally, lncRNAs possess important application potential in the occurrence and development, early diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of PCa ( Ramnarine et al, 2019 ; Morgan et al, 2021 ). An influential application of lncRNA in PCa diagnosis is the detection of PCA3 ( Hessels and Schalken, 2009 ; Morgan et al, 2021 ), which could regulate the expression of AR signaling pathway and critical genes involved in the carcinogenesis and development of PCa, including EMT-related genes ( Ferreira et al, 2012 ; Lemos et al, 2019 ; Ghafouri-Fard et al, 2022 ). LncRNAs are closely correlated with Gleason score, TNM stage and PSA kinetic parameters in PCa, which are recognized as the basis for treatment decision-making and prognosis.…”

miRNA and lncRNA Expression Networks Modulate Cell Cycle and DNA Repair Inhibition in Senescent Prostate Cells

“…Additionally, they may become therapeutic targets for advanced and castrate-resistant cancers. Prostate cancer-specific lncRNAs are compelling as diagnostic biomarkers owing to their high tissue and tumour specificity, and presence in bodily fluids [ 17 ].…”