Special Issues
Table of Content

Long Non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and Cancer: A Focus on Four Key Areas

Submission Deadline: 30 June 2025 (closed) View: 328 Submit to Journal

Guest Editors

Dr. Pierlorenzo Pallante

Email: pierlorenzo.pallante@cnr.it

Affiliation: Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology (IEOS) “G. Salvatore”, National Research Council (CNR), 80131, Naples, Italy.

Homepage:

Research Interests: Non-coding RNA, cancer


Dr. Francesco Esposito

Email: f.esposito@ieos.cnr.it

Affiliation: Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology (IEOS) “G. Salvatore”, National Research Council (CNR), 80131, Naples, Italy.

Homepage:

Research Interests: Non-coding RNA, cancer


Summary

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), once considered "molecular noise," have emerged as significant players in various biological processes, especially cancer. These RNA molecules don't code for proteins but can regulate gene expression by acting as "switches" that turn genes on or off. Their ability to regulate gene expression and influence various cellular processes makes them attractive targets for both diagnostic and therapeutic applications. A multidisciplinary approach combining molecular biology, bioinformatics, and clinical research is essential to fully unravel the complex role of lncRNAs in cancer and translate these findings into improved patient outcomes.


As lncRNAs represent a novel area in cancer research, researchers are encouraged to specifically focus on four key aspects of lncRNA research:

1-Biomarkers for Early Diagnosis and Prognosis: LncRNAs can be valuable biomarkers for early cancer detection. By analyzing the expression profiles of lncRNAs across various tumor types, unique patterns associated with specific cancers can be identified, which aids in earlier diagnosis and more accurate prognosis.

2-Molecular Mechanisms in Tumorigenesis: LncRNAs play a crucial role in regulating various cellular processes involved in tumorigenesis. By investigating the interactions between lncRNAs, proteins, and other molecules, new mechanisms driving cancer development and progression could be uncovered. Gaining a better understanding of these mechanisms may help identify novel therapeutic targets for treatment.

3-Therapeutic Targets: Given their involvement in cancer, lncRNAs present promising targets for new cancer therapies. Strategies such as siRNA, and CRISPR-Cas9 can be employed to modulate lncRNA expression, potentially inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis.

4-Therapy Resistance: LncRNAs also contribute to the development of therapy resistance in cancer. By understanding how lncRNAs influence drug resistance, more effective treatment strategies to overcome this challenge could be developed.


Research articles and reviews that characterize the deregulation of lncRNAs in various human cancers are encouraged.


Keywords

Long non-coding RNA, mechanism, cancer, biomarker, diagnosis, therapy, resistance

Published Papers


  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    Pan-Cancer Analysis of Enhancer-Induced PAN3-AS1 and Experimental Validation as a WFDC13-Promoting Factor in Colon Cancer

    Xu Guo, Yanan Yu, Xiaolin Ma, Yuanjie Cai
    Oncology Research, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.069274
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Long Non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and Cancer: A Focus on Four Key Areas)
    Abstract Background: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) act as epigenetic regulators for tumor hallmarks. This investigation sought to probe the carcinogenic trait of PAN3-AS1 across pan-cancer comprehensively. Methods: We studied the diagnostic and prognostic features and the immune landscape of PAN3-AS1 across pan-cancer by bioinformatics approaches. The hierarchical regulatory networks governing PAN3-AS1 expression in colon cancer were explored via chromatin immunoprecipitation, luciferase activity assays, and RNA immunoprecipitation, etc. We screened drugs sensitive to WAP four-disulfide core domain 13 (WFDC13) by virtual screening and molecular docking. Results: Single-cell transcriptomics demonstrated that a variety of immune populations abnormally expressed PAN3-AS1… More >

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