PIWI interacting RNAs perspectives: a new avenues in future cancer investigations

Abstract

As a currently identified small non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) category, the PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are crucial mediators of cell biology. The human genome comprises over 30.000 piRNA genes. Although considered a new field in cancer research, the piRNA pathway is shown by the existing evidence as an active pathway in a variety of different types of cancers with critical impacts on main aspects of cancer progression. Among the regulatory molecules that contribute to maintaining the dynamics of cancer cells, the P-element Induced WImpy testis (PIWI) proteins and piRNAs, as new players, have not been broadly studied so far. Therefore, the identification of cancer-related piRNAs and the assessment of target genes of piRNAs may lead to better cancer prevention and therapy strategies. This review articleaimed to highlight the role and function of piRNAs based on existing data. Understanding the role of piRNA in cancer may provide perspectives on their applications as particular biomarker signature in diagnosis in early stage, prognosis and therapeutic strategies.

The potential of piR-823 as a diagnostic biomarker in oncology: A systematic review

“…piRNAs are small non-coding RNA molecules consisting of 23-31 nucleotides and are mainly involved in the regulation of gene expression and maintenance of genomic integrity. Many studies have shown that piRNAs differ from miRNAs or siRNAs in terms of their chemical structure, size, processing, precursors, associated proteins, and functional mechanisms [2]. piRNAs have 2'-O-methylation at their 3'-end and bind to a PIWI protein, an Argonaute/PIWI family protein, to form the piRNA-induced silencing complex (piRISC).…”

Roles of Non-Coding RNA in Alzheimer’s Disease Pathophysiology

“…The gene regulatory functions of piRNAs in a wide range of contexts, including signal transduction and tumour suppressor pathways, have been described [95,96]. The potential efficacy of piRNAs and Piwi proteins as diagnostic/prognostic markers and novel therapeutic agents has also been extensively described [97][98][99][100][101].…”

Unlocking the potential of non-coding RNAs in cancer research and therapy

“…Key roles of PiwiRNAs in oncology include: Tumor initiation and progression : PiwiRNAs exhibit abnormal expression patterns in various cancer types. Piwi proteins, such as PIWIL1 and PIWIL2, are upregulated in cancer cells and have been associated with enhanced tumor growth, invasion, metastasis, cancer stemness, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and chemotherapy resistance [69] . Epigenetic regulation : PiwiRNAs are implicated in the modulation of epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation and histone modifications.…”

“…Tumor initiation and progression : PiwiRNAs exhibit abnormal expression patterns in various cancer types. Piwi proteins, such as PIWIL1 and PIWIL2, are upregulated in cancer cells and have been associated with enhanced tumor growth, invasion, metastasis, cancer stemness, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and chemotherapy resistance [69] .…”