Frontiers in Oncology (Nov 2020)

MiRNA and LncRNA as Potential Biomarkers in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: A Review

  • Simona Ruxandra Volovat,
  • Constantin Volovat,
  • Constantin Volovat,
  • Irina Hordila,
  • Dorin-Alexandru Hordila,
  • Ciprian Camil Mirestean,
  • Oana Tatiana Miron,
  • Cristian Lungulescu,
  • Dragos Viorel Scripcariu,
  • Cati Raluca Stolniceanu,
  • Assia Adrianova Konsoulova-Kirova,
  • Cristina Grigorescu,
  • Cipriana Stefanescu,
  • Cristian Constantin Volovat,
  • Iolanda Augustin

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fonc.2020.526850
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 10

Abstract

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Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) include a diverse range of RNA species, including microRNAs (miRNAs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). MiRNAs, ncRNAs of approximately 19–25 nucleotides in length, are involved in gene expression regulation either via degradation or silencing of the messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and have roles in multiple biological processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, angiogenesis, and apoptosis. LncRNAs, which are longer than 200 nucleotides, comprise one of the largest and most heterogeneous RNA families. LncRNAs can activate or repress gene expression through various mechanisms, acting alone or in combination with miRNAs and other molecules as part of various pathways. Until recently, most research has focused on individual lncRNA and miRNA functions as regulators, and there is limited available data on ncRNA interactions relating to the tumor growth, metastasis, and therapy of cancer, acting either on mRNA alone or as competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) represents approximately 10%–20% of all breast cancers (BCs) and is highly heterogenous and more aggressive than other types of BC, for which current targeted treatment options include hormonotherapy, PARP inhibitors, and immunotherapy; however, no targeted therapies for TNBC are available, partly because of a lack of predictive biomarkers. With advances in proteomics, new evidence has emerged demonstrating the implications of dysregulation of ncRNAs in TNBC etiology. Here, we review the roles of lncRNAs and miRNAs implicated in TNBC, including their interactions and regulatory networks. Our synthesis provides insight into the mechanisms involved in TNBC progression and has potential to aid the discovery of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

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