Long non-coding RNA as the newest perspective biomarkers in cancer

Abstract

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a large group of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) which are more than 200 nucleotides in length. LncRNAs, as regulation factors, show an important role in complex cellular processes, such as apoptosis, growth, differentiation, proliferation, etc. Recently, the results of many studies have also shown their significant role in carcinogenesis. Endogenous lncRNAs are known to be secreted by tumor cells in human biological fluids in the form of microvesicles, exosomes, or protein complexes, thereby forming circulating lncRNAs that do not degrade under the influence of RNases and are in a stable state. Compared with traditional biomarkers, as proteins circulating lncRNA have several advantages that will allow to consider circulating lncRNA as a new potential biomarker for various diseases. Aberrant expression of lncRNAs was observed in cancer patients. In this context, endogenous lncRNAs can regulate the main characteristics of cancer cells, controlling the expression of oncogenes associated with their suppressive and oncogenic functions. Consequently, circulating lncRNAs can be excellent biomarkers for cancer. Knowledge of the molecular mechanisms by which lncRNAs contribute to the development of cancer will improve our understanding of etiology, and open up horizons for the development of new biomarkers. In this paper, we will analyze current knowledge about the change in the expression profile of circulating lncRNAs in cancer, as well as methods for their detection.

Keywords

• lncrna
• biomarker
• fluid
• cancer
• expression
• diagnostics