The multifaceted roles of long noncoding RNAs in pancreatic cancer: an update on what we know

Abstract

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Due to the shortage of effective biomarkers for predicting survival and diagnosing PC, the underlying mechanism is still intensively investigated but poorly understood. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) provide biological functional diversity and complexity in protein regulatory networks. Scientific studies have revealed the emerging functions and regulatory roles of lncRNAs in PC behaviors. It is worth noting that some in-depth studies have revealed that lncRNAs are significantly associated with the initiation and progression of PC. As lncRNAs have good properties for both diagnostic and prognostic prediction due to their translation potential, we herein address the current understanding of the multifaceted roles of lncRNAs as regulators in the molecular mechanism of PC. We also discuss the possibility of using lncRNAs as survival biomarkers and their contributions to the development of targeted therapies based on the literature. The present review, based on what we know about current research findings, may help us better understand the roles of lncRNAs in PC.

ABHD11-AS1: An Emerging Long Non-Coding RNA (lncRNA) with Clinical Significance in Human Malignancies

“…The lack of effective methods for early PC detection is a prime reason for the poor survival rate. As of today, lncRNAs have been exploited as the biomarkers for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of various cancers, including PC [ 58 , 59 ]. One such circulatory lncRNA is ABHD11-AS1, which was recently studied for its significance in PC progression, diagnosis, and treatment [ 24 , 25 , 26 ].…”

The Role of LncRNAs in Translation

“…Reprograming of the translation machinery in cancer cells is important function of the key oncogenic signalings, promoting cellular transformation. Increased activity of translational machinery has been shown to be critical in many cancer cells, including breast [ 97 ], pancreatic [ 98 ], liver [ 99 ], and colorectal cancer [ 100 ], and leukemia [ 101 ]. Thus, lncRNA-mediated regulation of protein translation plays an important role in promoting oncogenic signaling, and specific targeting of these lncRNAs holds promise for developing highly targeted therapies in cancer and other human diseases.…”

Long noncoding RNA SNHG4 promotes renal cell carcinoma tumorigenesis and invasion by acting as ceRNA to sponge miR-204-5p and upregulate RUNX2

“…In the past decades, accumulating evidence showed that lncRNAs exert an important effect on the processes of transcriptional regulation, post-transcriptional regulation, and epigenetic modification [ 7 ]. The dysregulation of lncRNAs has been well documented in the tumorigenesis and development of human malignancies [ 8 , 9 ]. For example, enhanced lncRNA ARSR expression was shown in RCC‐initiating cells, related with dismal survival, and contributed to the sunitinib resistance in RCC patients [ 10 ].…”