Non-Coding RNA in Penile Cancer

Abstract

Penile cancer (PC) still presents a health threat for developing countries, in particular Brazil. Despite this, little progress has been made on the study of markers, including molecular ones, that can aid in the correct management of the patient, especially concerning lymphadenectomy. As in other neoplasms, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have been investigated for penile cancer, with emphasis on microRNAs, piRNAs (PIWI-interacting small RNAs), and long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs). In this context, this review aims to assemble the available knowledge on non-coding RNA linked in PC, contributing to our understanding of the penile carcinogenesis process and addressing their clinical relevance. ncRNAs are part of the novel generation of biomarkers, with high potential for diagnosis and prognosis, orientating the type of treatment. Furthermore, its versatility regarding the use of paraffin samples makes it possible to carry out retrospective studies.

Keywords: biomarkers; miRNA; non coding RNAs (ncRNAs); penile cancer; piRNAs.

Figure 1

The top of the flowchart (balloons) represents non-coding RNA types based on transcript length (nt). Below the nt size divider (red line) are the subclass with their respective functions.

Figure 2

The AntagomiR (in red) is an oligonucleotide sequence complementary to the endogenous target miRNA, leading to functional inhibition. MiRNA sponge (in gray) are RNA transcripts containing binding sites that sequester specific miRNAs to prevent them from interacting with their target sequence. The miRNA mimic (in blue) is an RNA fragment that acts by mimicking an endogenous miRNA that can specifically bind to its target gene.