Implication of lncRNAs in pathogenesis of esophageal cancer

Abstract

Wei-Wei Tang,1,* Qingquan Wu,3,* Su-Qing Li,1 Yu-Suo Tong,1 Zi-Hao Liu,1 Tong-Xin Yang,1 Yong Xu,1,2 Xiu-Feng Cao1 1Department of Surgical Oncology, Nanjing First Hospital, 2Cancer Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Huaian No 1 People’s Hospital, Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China *Indicates both are first authors Abstract: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), transcripts as longer than 200 nt in length with a great number of varieties in human genomics, play important roles in the regulation of genetics and epigenetics including gene transcription and post-transcription. Increasing evidence have demonstrated the upregulation of lncRNAs in tumorigenesis and metastasis of esophageal cancer (EC), a type of malignant tumors particularly in Asia. In this review, we briefly discuss the profiles and functions of lncRNAs involved in the progression of EC, which may provide a new approach to improve EC diagnosis and treatment. Keywords: long non-coding RNAs, esophageal cancer, biomarker, review