Long non-coding RNAs in gastric cancer: New emerging biological functions and therapeutic implications

Abstract

Gastric cancer (GC) is currently the fourth most common malignancy and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), transcriptional products with more than 200 nucleotides, are not as well-characterized as protein-coding RNAs. Accumulating evidence has recently revealed that maladjustments of diverse lncRNAs may play key roles in multiple genetic and epigenetic phenomena in GC, affecting all aspects of cellular homeostasis, such as proliferation, migration, and stemness. However, the full extent of their functionality remains to be clarified. Considering the lack of viable biomarkers and therapeutic targets, future research should be focused on unravelling the intricate relationships between lncRNAs and GC that can be translated from bench to clinic. Here, we summarized the state-of-the-art advances in lncRNAs and their biological functions in GC, and we further discuss their potential diagnostic and therapeutic roles. We aim to shed light on the interrelationships between lncRNAs and GC with respect to their potential therapeutic applications. With better understanding of these relationships, the biological functions of lncRNAs in GC development will be exploitable, and promising new strategies developed for the prevention and treatment of GC.

Long non‑coding RNA JPX promotes gastric cancer progression by regulating CXCR6 and autophagy via inhibiting miR‑197

“…The initiation and progression of human malignant tumors are associated with various factors, such as etiological factors, and genetic and epigenetic factors ( 25 , 26 ). As important tumor regulators, lncRNAs can regulate the development of tumors at the epigenetic, transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels ( 27 , 28 ). At present, the main mechanisms underlying lncRNAs affecting the development of GC are generally as follows: Some lncRNAs promote GC cell proliferation by inducing cell cycle arrest and inhibiting apoptosis, thereby affecting the progression of GC ( 29 ); moreover, several lncRNAs can inhibit or accelerate GC cell migration and invasion by affecting the epithelial-mesenchymal transition ( 30 ); lncRNAs also serve as endogenous competitive RNAs, which compete with miRNAs for binding to target genes, thereby regulating the downstream signaling pathways and the progression of GC ( 31 ); and finally, lncRNAs can promote the progression of GC via autophagy, metabolic stress and hypoxia ( 15 ).…”

The Multifaceted Role of Long Non-Coding RNA in Gastric Cancer: Current Status and Future Perspectives

“…It is as well convincing that lncRNAs can be therapeutic targets in GC, since lncRNAs control tumor micro-regulatory networks, and targeting lncRNAs may affect different tumor-associated pathways 136 . Targeting lncRNAs may yield reliable therapeutic results based on small interference RNAs (siRNAs), antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), Crispr-Cas9 techniques, lncRNA-targeting drugs and so on.…”

Linc00641 promotes the progression of gastric carcinoma by modulating the miR-429/Notch-1 axis

“…Recently, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) were to participate in gastric cancer progression [ 3 – 5 ]. LncRNAs are noncoding RNAs with more than 200 nucleotides, and most lncRNAs lack protein-coding ability [ 6 ].…”