The emerging roles of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) H19 in gynecologic cancers

Abstract

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) H19 has gained significant recognition as a pivotal contributor to the initiation and advancement of gynecologic cancers, encompassing ovarian, endometrial, cervical, and breast cancers. H19 exhibits a complex array of mechanisms, demonstrating dualistic effects on tumorigenesis as it can function as both an oncogene and a tumor suppressor, contingent upon the specific context and type of cancer being investigated. In ovarian cancer, H19 promotes tumor growth, metastasis, and chemoresistance through modulation of key signaling pathways and interaction with microRNAs. Conversely, in endometrial cancer, H19 acts as a tumor suppressor by inhibiting proliferation, inducing apoptosis, and regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Additionally, H19 has been implicated in cervical and breast cancers, where it influences cell proliferation, invasion, and immune evasion. Moreover, H19 has potential as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for gynecologic cancers, with its expression levels correlating with clinical parameters and patient outcomes. Understanding the functional roles of H19 in gynecologic cancers is crucial for the development of targeted therapeutic strategies and personalized treatment approaches. Further investigation into the intricate molecular mechanisms underlying H19's involvement in gynecologic malignancies is warranted to fully unravel its therapeutic potential and clinical implications. This review aims to elucidate the functional roles of H19 in various gynecologic malignancies.

Keywords: Biomarker; Gynecologic cancer; H19; LncRNAs; Tumorigenesis.

Fig. 1

H19 exhibits a broad spectrum of functionality, intricately participating in a multitude of physiological processes, while also playing a significant role in the pathogenesis and advancement of diverse pathological conditions

Fig. 2

The Involvement of H19 in Breast Cancer Progression: Mechanisms and Implications. H19 is involved in drug resistance, invasion, migration, and apoptosis through various mechanisms. PTX: paclitaxel, EMT: Epithelial-mesenchymal transition, SAHH: S–adenosyl homocysteine hydrolase

Fig. 3

The Mechanisms of H19 in Regulating Tumor Cell Behavior in Ovarian Cancer, Cervical Cancer, and Endometriosis. H19 plays a crucial role in promoting tumor progression through various mechanisms, including apoptosis inhibition, promotion of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), tumor cell invasion, migration, and proliferation. Of these mechanisms, the activation of EMT is particularly pivotal in promoting tumorigenesis via H19

Fig. 4

The Functional Impact of H19-Mediated Gene Regulation on Downstream Targets. Various H19-associated miRNAs have been identified as playing a critical role in the pathogenesis of gynecologic cancers