Long Non-Coding RNAs in Neuroblastoma: Pathogenesis, Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets

Abstract

Neuroblastoma is the most common malignant extracranial solid tumor of childhood. Recent studies involving the application of advanced high-throughput "omics" techniques have revealed numerous genomic alterations, including aberrant coding-gene transcript levels and dysfunctional pathways, that drive the onset, growth, progression, and treatment resistance of neuroblastoma. Research conducted in the past decade has shown that long non-coding RNAs, once thought to be transcriptomic noise, play key roles in cancer development. With the recent and continuing increase in the amount of evidence for the underlying roles of long non-coding RNAs in neuroblastoma, the potential clinical implications of these RNAs cannot be ignored. In this review, we discuss their biological mechanisms of action in the context of the central driving mechanisms of neuroblastoma, focusing on potential contributions to the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of this disease. We also aim to provide a clear, integrated picture of future research opportunities.

Keywords: cancer hallmark; diagnostic; long non-coding RNA; neuroblastoma; prognostic; therapy.

Figure 1

LncRNAs and hallmarks of neuroblastoma. This overview illustrates how central factors [MYCN, tumor hypoxia, tumor stemness, and TME cells (TAMs, TILs, and TMSCs)] mediate effects on neuroblastoma hallmarks through key signaling pathways (TMM = telomere maintenance mechanisms). The dysregulation of lncRNA expression and activity directly and indirectly impacts these hallmarks. Green arrows indicate promoting effects and red arrows indicate inhibitory effects. Created with BioRender.com.