The regulatory roles of long non-coding RNAs in the development of chemoresistance in breast cancer

Abstract

Chemoresistance is one of the major hurdles in the treatment of breast cancer, which limits the effect of both targeted and conventional therapies in clinical settings. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms underpinning resistance is paramount for developing strategies to circumvent resistance in breast cancer patients. Several published reports have indicated that lncRNAs play a dynamic role in the regulation of both intrinsic and acquired chemoresistance through a variety of mechanisms that endow cells with a drug-resistant phenotype. Although a number of lncRNAs have been implicated in chemoresistance of breast cancer, their mechanistic roles have not been systematically reviewed. Thus, here we present a detailed review on the latest research findings and discoveries on the mechanisms of acquisition of chemoresistance in breast cancer related to lncRNAs, and how lncRNAs take part in various cancer signalling pathways involved in breast cancer cells. Knowledge obtained from this review could assist in the development of new strategies to avoid or reverse drug resistance in breast cancer chemotherapy.

Tumor Suppressor and Oncogenic Role of Long Non-Coding RNAs in Cancer

“…So far, 8,179 (60.31%) lncRNAs have been found to play a crucial role in at least one type of cancer formation [6]. Approximately, 15% up and 11.18% down-regulated lncRNAs have been shown in seven types of cancer, including gastric, lung, prostate, breast, pancreatic, hepatocellular and ovarian cancer types [7][8][9][10]. lncRNA dysregulation can be affected by somatic copy number alterations (SCNAs).…”

<p>Long Non-Coding RNAs in Drug Resistance of Breast Cancer</p>

“…LncRNAs sponge miRNAs as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs), induce resistance in sensitive cells via exosomes, activate the EMT process, and modulate cell apoptosis and the cell cycle directly, thereby regulating the response of BC cells to chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, and molecular targeted therapy. 20,21 In this review, we summarize the characteristics of lncRNAs associated with drug resistance in BC and describe the potential underlying mechanisms briefly. The purpose of studies is to identify therapeutic targets to reverse drug resistance or improve the efficacy of BC treatment.…”

“…LncRNAs sponge miRNAs as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs), induce resistance in sensitive cells via exosomes, activate the EMT process, and modulate cell apoptosis and the cell cycle directly, thereby regulating the response of BC cells to chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, and molecular targeted therapy. 20 , 21 …”

Long Non-Coding RNAs as Strategic Molecules to Augment the Radiation Therapy in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

“…Several studies have demonstrated the association of non-coding RNAs in regulating various cancer hallmarks, including the radioresistance processes in cells [ 8 , 9 ]. Our previous study suggested several microRNAs (miRNAs) dictating sensitivity and resistance against radiotherapy EC patients [ 10 ].…”