This review will focus on the newly identified functions of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in cancer biology and therapeutic innovations, and reviews the existing knowledge on microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and circular RNAs in the context of their different experimental and computational studies.
Abstract
Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are the biggest class of regulatory molecules in the human genome, which constitute ~98% of total transcripts, and were once considered as “transcriptional noise”. This review will focus on the newly identified functions of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in cancer biology and therapeutic innovations. We review the existing knowledge on microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and circular RNAs in the context of their different experimental and computational studies, and we highlight their mechanisms of action in cancer hallmarks such as proliferation and resistance to apoptosis, metastasis, and metabolic reprogramming. We evaluate the translational landscape of ncRNA-based therapeutics by examining clinical trials in progress and completed, delivery methods, and emerging technologies. This review aims to separate fact from fiction and offer a balanced view on the facts, which will help guide future research and clinical development in the field of ncRNA oncology.
For most of the twentieth century, the transcriptional output of the human genome was thought to be biologically inert—a characterization that has been proven wrong in almost every important respect. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) such as microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), circular RNAs (circRNAs), small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) and PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are now thought of as vital regulators of gene expression in all the stages of cancer pathogenesis, including the initial epigenetic changes, metastatic spread and the development of therapeutic resistance. This review highlights four areas where the clinical potential of ncRNAs is most promising: reconstruction of ncRNA regulatory networks by multi-omics integration; circulating ncRNAs as minimally invasive cancer biomarkers; causal roles of ncRNAs in drug resistance through epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity, metabolic reprogramming, and stromal communication; and translation of ncRNA targeting strategies to clinical trials. We will need to invest equally in mechanistic rigor and translational infrastructure to move forward.
Şeyma Tutar, Vida Rezayifar, Hamida Abakar Mohamed Elhaj et al.· Frontiers in Oncology· 0 citations
These findings call for a revised molecular dogma in which the noncoding genome is recognized as a major regulator of cellular function, oncogenic transformation, and immune surveillance.
Maria Lteif, Assia Hijazi, E. Morgand et al.· Oncoimmunology· 0 citations
This review examines how different types of ncRNAs contribute to cancer initiation, progression, and treatment resistance, and assesses their potential as diagnostic markers, prognostic factors, and therapeutic targets.
Akanksha Samuel, G. Calin· Carcinogenesis· 0 citations
The latest functional genomics strategies used to examine NCRNAS are discussed and their transformative ability in accurate therapy is highlighted, highlighting their transformative ability in accurate therapy.
Deepak Kumar Sahu, Harish Jaiswal· Research journal of biotechn...· 0 citations
Breast cancer is a highly heterogeneous disease characterized by extensive genomic and chromosomal instability (CIN), a hallmark that drives tumor evolution, intratumoral heterogeneity, therapeutic resistance, and poor clinical outcomes. Increasing evidence indicates that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are important regulators of genome maintenance and chromosome stability. However, their specific contributions to CIN and the strength of the available evidence remain incompletely understood. This review examines the role of the major ncRNA classes, including circular RNAs, microRNAs, PIWI-interacting RNAs, small nucleolar RNAs, and long non-coding RNAs, in the regulation of CIN-related processes in breast cancer. We discuss the molecular mechanisms by which these ncRNAs regulate key pathways involved in CIN, while critically evaluating the strength of the experimental evidence supporting their functional roles. We also examine their associations with distinct breast cancer molecular subtypes and assess their potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets, highlighting current limitations and knowledge gaps that hinder clinical translation. Collectively, the available evidence supports an emerging role for ncRNAs as regulators of CIN while underscoring the need for further mechanistic and subtype-specific studies to validate their clinical utility.
