LncRNA GAS5-hnRNPK axis inhibited ovarian cancer progression via inhibition of AKT signaling in ovarian cancer cells

Latest Update on lncRNA in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer-A Scoping Review

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are RNA molecules exceeding 200 nucleotides that do not encode proteins yet play critical roles in regulating gene expression at multiple levels, such as chromatin modification and transcription. These molecules are significantly engaged in cancer progression, development, metastasis, and chemoresistance. However, the function of lncRNAs in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) has not yet been thoroughly studied. EOC remains challenging due to its complex molecular pathogenesis, characterized by genetic and epigenetic alterations. Emerging evidence suggests that lncRNAs, such as XIST, H19, NEAT1, and MALAT1, are involved in EOC by modulating gene expression and signaling pathways, influencing processes like cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and chemoresistance. Despite extensive research, the precise mechanism of acting of lncRNAs in EOC pathogenesis and treatment resistance still needs to be fully understood, highlighting the need for further studies. This review aims to provide an updated overview of the current understanding of lncRNAs in EOC, emphasizing their potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets. We point out the gaps in the knowledge regarding lncRNAs' influence on epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), deliberating on new possible research areas.

From diagnosis to therapy: The role of LncRNA GAS5 in combatting some cancers affecting women

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a collection of non-coding RNA molecules that consist of more than 200 nucleotides. In human malignancies, these lncRNAs exhibit abnormal expression patterns and play a significant role in either suppressing or promoting tumor growth. They achieve this by modulating various functions and mechanisms within cancer cells, including proliferation, invasion, metastasis, apoptosis, and resistance to different therapeutic approaches. The downregulation of long non-coding RNA growth arrest‑specific transcript 5 (GAS5) has been observed in multiple tumor types, indicating its role as a tumor suppressor in cancer. GAS5 exhibits interactions with various proteins, DNA, and microRNAs (miRNAs), leading to the upregulation of several mRNAs encoding suppressor proteins like PTEN. Consequently, this upregulation inhibits tumor growth. In this review, we have examined the existing literature concerning the expression of GAS5 and its diagnostic significance in female tissue-specific cancers, including breast, cervical, ovarian, and endometrial cancers. Additionally, we have explored its interactions with different miRNAs and its impact on cancer progression and resistance to therapy in these malignancies.

Long Non-Coding RNAs in Ovarian Cancer: Mechanistic Insights and Clinical Applications

Background/Objectives: Ovarian cancer is a leading cause of gynecological cancer mortality worldwide, often diagnosed at advanced stages due to vague symptoms and the lack of effective early detection methods. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as key regulators in cancer biology, influencing cellular processes such as proliferation, apoptosis, and chemoresistance. This review explores the multifaceted roles of lncRNAs in ovarian cancer pathogenesis and their potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted to analyze the structural and functional characteristics of lncRNAs and their contributions to ovarian cancer biology. This includes their regulatory mechanisms, interactions with signaling pathways, and implications for therapeutic resistance. Advanced bioinformatics and omics approaches were also evaluated for their potential in lncRNA research. Results: The review highlights the dual role of lncRNAs as oncogenes and tumor suppressors, modulating processes such as cell proliferation, invasion, and angiogenesis. Specific lncRNAs, such as HOTAIR and GAS5, demonstrate significant potential as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Emerging technologies, such as single-cell sequencing, provide valuable insights into the tumor microenvironment and the heterogeneity of lncRNA expression. Conclusions: LncRNAs hold transformative potential in advancing ovarian cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. Targeting lncRNAs or their associated pathways offers promising strategies to overcome therapy resistance and enhance personalized medicine. Continued research integrating omics and bioinformatics will be essential to unlock the full clinical potential of lncRNAs in ovarian cancer management.

Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K is a potential target for enhancing the chemosensitivity of nasopharyngeal carcinoma

The resistance of tumor cells to chemotherapy drugs is a critical determinant in the recurrence and metastasis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Therefore, it is crucial to identify effective biotargets that can enhance the sensitivity of NPC cells to chemotherapy drugs. Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K (hnRNPK) plays a central role in regulating chemotherapy resistance across various tumor types. However, its specific function in NPC cells remains unclear. This study reveals that hnRNPK is overexpressed in NPC tissues while weakly expressed in normal nasopharyngeal tissues. The expression level of hnRNPK is negatively associated with NPC patient survival. Importantly, hnRNPK is a key inducer of chemotherapy resistance in NPC, as evidenced by the significant increase in NPC cell sensitivity to cisplatin following hnRNPK knockdown. Mechanistically, hnRNPK induces chemotherapy resistance in NPC cells by suppressing the activation of the Akt/caspase 3 pathway. In NPC tumor-bearing mice, hnRNPK knockdown enhances the efficacy of cisplatin chemotherapy. Consequently, this work identifies a potential target for enhancing the sensitivity of NPC cells to chemotherapy.

Vinorelbine Alters lncRNA Expression in Association with EGFR Mutational Status and Potentiates Tumor Progression Depending on NSCLC Cell Lines' Genetic Profile

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) as the most common type. In addition, NSCLC has a high mortality rate and an overall adverse patient outcome. Although significant improvements have been made in therapeutic options, effectiveness is still limited in late stages, so the need for a better understanding of the genomics events underlying the current therapies is crucial to aid future drug development. Vinorelbine (VRB) is an anti-mitotic chemotherapy drug (third-generation vinca alkaloid) used to treat several malignancies, including NSCLC. However, despite its widespread clinical use, very little is known about VRB-associated genomic alterations in different subtypes of NSCLC. This article is an in vitro investigation of the cytotoxic effects of VRB on three different types of NSCLC cell lines, A549, Calu-6, and H1792, with a closer focus on post-treatment genetic alterations. Based on the obtained results, VRB cytotoxicity produces modifications on a cellular level, altering biological processes such as apoptosis, autophagy, cellular motility, cellular adhesion, and cell cycle, but also at a genomic level, dysregulating the expression of some coding genes, such as EGFR, and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), including CCAT1, CCAT2, GAS5, MALAT1, NEAT1, NORAD, XIST, and HOTAIR, that are implicated in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. Therefore, although extensive validation is required, these results pave the way towards a better understanding of the cellular and genomic alterations underlying the cytotoxicity of VRB.