Long intergenic noncoding RNAs: new links in cancer progression

Abstract

The process of cancer metastasis involves a series of sequential and complex steps. Here we give a perspective on recent results regarding noncoding transcription in cancer progression, focusing on the emerging role of long intergenic noncoding RNAs (lincRNAs). LincRNAs target chromatin modification complexes or RNA-binding proteins to alter gene expression programs. Similarly to miRNAs, lincRNAs exhibit distinct gene expression patterns in primary tumors and metastases. We discuss how lincRNAs can be used for cancer diagnosis and prognosis and serve as potential therapeutic targets.

Figure 1. Targeting cancer specific ncRNAs

Small molecules and complimentary antagomir sequences have been identified that bind to miRNAs, disrupting base pairing. We speculate that targeting the lincRNA structure could inhibit binding to chromatin modifying complexes, without disrupting the binding of different RNAs.