Long Non-Coding RNAs in Pancreatic Cancer: Biologic Functions, Mechanisms, and Clinical Significance

Abstract

Despite tremendous efforts devoted to research in pancreatic cancer (PC), the mechanism underlying the tumorigenesis and progression of PC is still not completely clear. Additionally, ideal biomarkers and satisfactory therapeutic strategies for clinical application in PC are still lacking. Accumulating evidence suggests that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) might participate in the pathogenesis of diverse cancers, including PC. The abnormal expression of lncRNAs in PC is considered a vital factor during tumorigenesis that affects tumor cell proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and drug resistance. With this review of relevant articles published in recent years, we aimed to summarize the biogenesis mechanism, classifications, and modes of action of lncRNAs and to review the functions and mechanisms of lncRNAs in PC. Additionally, the clinical significance of lncRNAs in PC was discussed. Finally, we pointed out the questions remaining from recent studies and anticipated that further investigations would address these gaps in knowledge in this field.

Effects of Long Non-Coding RNAs Induced by the Gut Microbiome on Regulating the Development of Colorectal Cancer

“…Most lncRNAs are transcriptionally regulated by RNA polymerase II (Pol II), demanding the insertion of a 3’ end poly (A) tail and a 5’ end m7G cap [ 18 , 19 ]. Most lncRNAs are exported and localized in the cytoplasm, except a small number is kept in the nucleus [ 20 ]. Due to the limited number of exons contained in the sequence, the export of lncRNAs mainly depends on the nuclear RNA export factor 1 (NXF1) pathway [ 21 ].…”

“…Due to the limited number of exons contained in the sequence, the export of lncRNAs mainly depends on the nuclear RNA export factor 1 (NXF1) pathway [ 21 ]. The lncRNAs can exist in various forms and perform appropriate activities once they enter the cytoplasm [ 20 ]. Previous studies have confirmed that the mode of action of lncRNAs can be divided into four categories: signal, decoy, guide, and scaffold [ 22 , 23 ] ( Figure 1 ).…”

LINC00960 regulates cell proliferation and glycolysis in pancreatic cancer through the miR‐326‐3p/TUFT1/AKT–mTOR axis

“…However, >80% of patients are diagnosed with PC at an advanced stage, making them unsuitable for surgical treatment 3 . Some molecules have become potential biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of PC 4–6 . For example, the concentrations of serum biomolecules CEA, CA 19‐9, and CA 242 have reliable sensitivity and specificity as biomarkers for the early diagnosis and prognosis of PC 4 .…”

“…For example, the concentrations of serum biomolecules CEA, CA 19‐9, and CA 242 have reliable sensitivity and specificity as biomarkers for the early diagnosis and prognosis of PC 4 . It was reported that various long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) were aberrantly expressed in PC and played crucial roles in this disease 5 . However, the underlying mechanisms need further enrichment.…”

“…4 It was reported that various long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) were aberrantly expressed in PC and played crucial roles in this disease. 5 However, the underlying mechanisms need further enrichment.…”