New Insights into the Roles of lncRNAs as Modulators of Cytoskeleton Architecture and Their Implications in Cellular Homeostasis and in Tumorigenesis

Abstract

The importance of the cytoskeleton not only in cell architecture but also as a pivotal element in the transduction of signals that mediate multiple biological processes has recently been highlighted. Broadly, the cytoskeleton consists of three types of structural proteins: (1) actin filaments, involved in establishing and maintaining cell shape and movement; (2) microtubules, necessary to support the different organelles and distribution of chromosomes during cell cycle; and (3) intermediate filaments, which have a mainly structural function showing specificity for the cell type where they are expressed. Interaction between these protein structures is essential for the cytoskeletal mesh to be functional. Furthermore, the cytoskeleton is subject to intense spatio-temporal regulation mediated by the assembly and disassembly of its components. Loss of cytoskeleton homeostasis and integrity of cell focal adhesion are hallmarks of several cancer types. Recently, many reports have pointed out that lncRNAs could be critical mediators in cellular homeostasis controlling dynamic structure and stability of the network formed by cytoskeletal structures, specifically in different types of carcinomas. In this review, we summarize current information available about the roles of lncRNAs as modulators of actin dependent cytoskeleton and their impact on cancer pathogenesis. Finally, we explore other examples of cytoskeletal lncRNAs currently unrelated to tumorigenesis, to illustrate knowledge about them.

Pivotal functions and impact of long con-coding RNAs on cellular processes and genome integrity

“…Indeed, lncRNAs are also known to be localized in the mitochondria, and their expression patterns are controlled by nuclear proteins [30,89]. This assertion is supported by the discovery of three distinct and stable lncRNAs (lncND5, lncND6, and lncCyt b RNA) in the mitochondrial genome of HeLa cells.…”

“…A major portion of mitotic spindle assemblies constitutes the microtubule bundles, which are distinct, preserved gene by interacting with its 3'-UTR mRNA which results in the inhibition of thyroid carcinoma metastasis [120]. F | lncRNA TUG1 facilitates cortex cytoskeleton formation by binding to both α-actin and EZH2 to regulate EZH2 methyltransferase activity [15,30] dimers of α-and β-tubulins [81]. MAPs control many characteristics displayed by microtubules via regulating MT polymerization-depolymerization kinetics and their PTMs [95].…”

The landscape of lncRNAs in gastric cancer: from molecular mechanisms to potential clinical applications

“…Migration and invasion are essential mechanisms for cancer progression ( Friedl and Wolf, 2003 ). Recent studies have shed light on the role of lncRNAs in regulating these processes by influencing cytoskeleton reorganization ( Tang et al, 2018 ; Zhang G. et al, 2019 ; García-Padilla et al, 2022 ; Raei et al, 2022 ).…”

Involvement of lncRNAs in cancer cells migration, invasion and metastasis: cytoskeleton and ECM crosstalk

“…Cdc42 is a stimulator of filopodia formation and responsible for cancer cells migration and invasion to the ECM [ 93 ]. These Rho GTPases exert their action through downstream effector Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein serine/threonine kinase (ROCK) family of proteins including ROCK1 and ROCK2 [ 94 , 95 ].…”