Multiple function of lncRNA MALAT1 in cancer occurrence and progression

Here, we present a unifying hypothesis about how messenger RNAs, transcribed pseudogenes, and long noncoding RNAs "talk" to each other using microRNA response elements (MREs) as letters of a new language. We propose that this "competing endogenous RNA" (ceRNA) activity forms a large-scale regulatory network across the transcriptome, greatly expanding the functional genetic information in the human genome and playing important roles in pathological conditions, such as cancer. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

It is increasingly evident that many of the genomic mutations in cancer reside inside regions that do not encode proteins. However, these regions are often transcribed into long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). The recent application of next-generation sequencing to a growing number of cancer transcriptomes has indeed revealed thousands of lncRNAs whose aberrant expression is associated with different cancer types. Among the few that have been functionally characterized, several have been linked to malignant transformation. Notably, these lncRNAs have key roles in gene regulation and thus affect various aspects of cellular homeostasis, including proliferation, survival, migration or genomic stability. This review aims to summarize current knowledge of lncRNAs from the cancer perspective. It discusses the strategies that led to the identification of cancer-related lncRNAs and the methodologies and challenges involving the study of these molecules, as well as the imminent applications of these findings to the clinic.

According to GLOBOCAN 2018 data, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most deadly and fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer in the world. Nearly 2 million new cases and about 1 million deaths are expected in 2018. CRC incidence has been steadily rising worldwide, especially in developing countries that are adopting the “western” way of life. Obesity, sedentary lifestyle, red meat consumption, alcohol, and tobacco are considered the driving factors behind the growth of CRC. However, recent advances in early detection screenings and treatment options have reduced CRC mortality in developed nations, even in the face of growing incidence. Genetic testing and better family history documentation can enable those with a hereditary predisposition for the neoplasm to take preventive measures. Meanwhile, the general population can reduce their risk by lowering their red meat, alcohol, and tobacco consumption and raising their consumption of fibre, wholesome foods, and certain vitamins and minerals.