Small non-coding RNAs as regulators of structural evolution and carcinogenesis

Abstract

Small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) are part of non-coding oligonucleotide regulators with wide physiologic and morphologic functions. They control genetic programing of cells, and may modulate processes of differentiation and death. Biogenesis of sncRNAs is now known, and some sncRNAs have been proposed as markers of malignization. Epigenetic therapy is based on the use of newly discovered genetic modifiers, such as sncRNAs, micro-RNAs, and theirs mimics. However, role of sncRNAs in structural evolution and mechanisms of adaptation is not clearly understood. Certainly, non-coding RNAs participate in processes of cellular and organismal adaptation as well as cellular and tissue structural transformation as response to changing of environmental neighbouring. Investigations into these functions of sncRNAs may be the basis of future epigenetic environmental medicine.

Keywords: Carcinogenesis; Small non-coding RNAs; Structural evolution; Transposable elements.

Fig. 1

Scheme of method of cancer cells transformation into other types of cells. Treatment of different cancer cell lines with complex of the DDMC vector with mix of separated sncRNAs with or without cell differentiation factor due to transformation of cancer cells in different types of cells. Cells and cell lines: 1. A-431 (ATCC^® CRL-1555™) is human epidermoid carcinoma; 2. A-172 (ATCC^® CRL-1620™) is human glioblastoma cell line; 3. IMR-32 (ATCC^® CCL-127™) is human neuroblastoma cell line; 4. CaCo2 (ATCC HTB-37 TM) is human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line; 5. Stem-cell-like cell is intermediate form of cells, which was obtained before full cancer cell transformation; 6. CD117 positive cells ; 7. Epithelization-like process (not published); 8. Dendritic-like cell (not published); 9. CD4 positive cells , ; 10. Platelet-like cells ; 11. Paneth-like cells (not published); 12. Neuron-like cells (not published). (Author made all microscopic photos. Magnification of fluorescent and light microscopy was ×600).