MALAT1: a potential biomarker in cancer

Abstract

Purpose: The research of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) has become a new passion with the discovery of abundant new lncRNAs and extensive investigation of their roles in various diseases, especially in cancers. Metastasis associated in lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) emerges as a hotspot, which has been reported to be involved in dysregulation of cell signaling and closely correlated with cancer development, progression, and response to therapy. This review is a brief update of the current knowledge related to the role of MALAT1 in cancer-associated molecular pathways and pathophysiology and possible determinants for MALAT1 to function as a biomarker, aiming to stimulate the basic investigation of lncRNA MALAT1 as well as its translation to clinical applications.

Methods: We have selected vast literature from electronic databases including studies associated with its clinical significance and the pivotal functions in cancer processes such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis, immunity, angiogenesis, and drug resistance.

Results: Studies have shown that aberrant expression of MALAT1 is related to cancer pathophysiology with the potential to be translated clinically and MALAT1 can regulate cancer processes by interacting with molecules, such as proteins, RNAs and DNAs, and further altering different signal pathways.

Conclusion: MALAT1 lncRNA promises to be a potential biomarker for cancer diagnosis as well as prognosis. Additionally, it might be a therapeutic target for human cancers.

Keywords: MALAT1; biomarker; cancer therapy; chemoresistance; lncRNA; metastasis; signal pathways.

Figure 1

MALAT1 in cancer pathways. Notes: MALAT1 promotes generation of the six phenotypes of cancer. Diagram partly adapted from Schmitt AM, Chang HY. Long noncoding RNAs in cancer pathways. Cancer Cell. 2016; 29(4):452–463). Copyright 2016, with permission from Elsevier. Cancer pathways of MALAT1 involved in metastasis, proliferation, cell death, immunity, angiogenesis, and drug resistance are shown. ELAVL1, ELAV-like protein 1 or HuR (human antigen R); NLRP3, NACHT, LRR and PYD domains-containing protein 3; DKK1, Dickkopf1, a Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway inhibitor; SYK, Spleen tyrosine kinase, also known as Syk; HIF-2a,hypoxia-inducible factor-2a (HIF-2a); FOXM1, Forkhead box protein M1 (FOXM1). Abbreviations: MALAT1, metastasis associated in lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1; SPRR, small proline-rich proteins.