Long non-coding RNAs and their implications in cancer epigenetics

Abstract

LncRNAs (long non-coding RNAs) have emerged as key molecular players in the regulation of gene expression in different biological processes. Their involvement in epigenetic processes includes the recruitment of histone-modifying enzymes and DNA methyltransferases, leading to the establishment of chromatin conformation patterns that ultimately result in the fine control of genes. Some of these genes are related to tumorigenesis and it is well documented that the misregulation of epigenetic marks leads to cancer. In this review, we highlight how some of the lncRNAs implicated in cancer are involved in the epigenetic control of gene expression. While very few lncRNAs have already been identified as players in determining the cancer-survival outcome in a number of different cancer types, for most of the lncRNAs associated with epigenetic regulation only their altered pattern of expression in cancer is demonstrated. Thanks to their tissue-specificity features, lncRNAs have already been proposed as diagnostic markers in specific cancer types. We envision the discovery of a wealth of novel spliced and unspliced intronic lncRNAs involved in epigenetic networks or in highly location-specific epigenetic control, which might be predominantly altered in specific cancer subtypes. We expect that the characterization of new lncRNA (long non-coding RNA)–protein and lncRNA–DNA interactions will contribute to the discovery of potential lncRNA targets for use in therapies against cancer.

Associations between polymorphisms of HOTAIR and risk of gastric cardia adenocarcinoma in a population of north China

“…Although the specific functions of the large majority of lncRNAs still remain unknown, recent studies have begun to shed light on the critical roles played by these molecules in a variety of cellular processes, including differentiation, development, and tumorigenesis. LncRNAs may play central roles in a wide range of biological processes through interaction with key component proteins and to be involved in gene regulation, including epigenetic regulation, transcription, imprinting, chromosome dosage compensation, nuclear and cytoplasmic trafficking, and mRNA splicing and translation [24,25]. In the present study, we examined the expression of HOTAIR and the association between HOTAIR htSNPs and risk of developing GCA through a case-control approach.…”

Methylation-mediated downregulation of long noncoding RNA LOC100130476 in gastric cardia adenocarcinoma

“…More recently, mounting evidences have shown that lncRNAs are involved in epigenetic processes [15]. DNA methylation was one of the first epigenetic alterations identified in cancer.…”

Effects of deranged metabolism on epigenetic changes in cancer

“…In addition to DNA methylation and histone modifications, epigenetic components, such as nucleosomal positioning, long non-coding RNAs, and RNA interference pathways, change in cancer (Beckedorff et al 2013;Kornienko et al 2013). A detailed description of these changes in cancer is beyond the scope of this review, but the importance of these epigenetic changes has aided the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic modalities as well as understating the cancer biology.…”