Non-Coding RNAs in Human Cancer and Other Diseases: Overview of the Diagnostic Potential

Abstract

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are abundant single-stranded RNA molecules in human cells, involved in various cellular processes ranging from DNA replication and mRNA translation regulation to genome stability defense. MicroRNAs are multifunctional ncRNA molecules of 18–24 nt in length, involved in gene silencing through base-pair complementary binding to target mRNA transcripts. piwi-interacting RNAs are an animal-specific class of small ncRNAs sized 26–31 nt, responsible for the defense of genome stability via the epigenetic and post-transcriptional silencing of transposable elements. Long non-coding RNAs are ncRNA molecules defined as transcripts of more than 200 nucleotides, their function depending on localization, and varying from the regulation of cell differentiation and development to the regulation of telomere-specific heterochromatin modifications. The current review provides recent data on the several forms of small and long non-coding RNA’s potential to act as diagnostic, prognostic or therapeutic target for various human diseases.

Additional Sex Combs-like Family Associated with Epigenetic Regulation

“…NcRNAs constitute a diverse group of RNAs that perform various biological functions, independent of translation [94,95]. They can be categorized based on their length, shape, or function.…”

Decoding the Non-coding: Tools and Databases Unveiling the Hidden World of “Junk” RNAs for Innovative Therapeutic Exploration

“…39 Benǎcǩa et al gave examples of ncRNAs involved selectively in some cancer diagnostic indications such as breast cancer, brain tumors, papillary thyroid carcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, bronchogenic carcinoma, kidney cancers, bladder carcinoma, prostate cancer, cervix/endometrium/ovarian cancer, gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, and leukemia and non-cancer diagnostic indications such as gastritis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, brain/spinal injuries, Alzhemier's disease, Parkinson's disease, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, heart failure, COPD, asthma, NAFLD, cirrhosis, and liver failure. 40 Non-coding RNAs transferred within the body in bodily fluids (serum, plasma, urine, saliva, and others), called extracellular (EC) or circulating ncRNAs (EC ncRNAs), mediate extracellular communication; they can also be called non-exosomal ncRNAs. Other EC ncRNAs are transported inside the cells for intercellular communication, enclosed by extracellular vesicles (such as exosomes, microvesicles, and apoptotic bodies); they can also be called exosomal ncRNAs.…”