An updated review of the role of lncRNAs and their contribution in various molecular subtypes of breast cancer

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Breast cancer (BC) is the most significant threat to women’s life. To demonstrate its molecular mechanisms, which results in BC progression, it is crucial to develop approaches to enhance prognosis and survival in BC cases.

Areas covered: In the current study, we aimed to highlight the updated data on the oncogenic and tumor suppressive roles of lncRNAs in the progression of various subtypes of BC by specifically putting importance on the functional characteristics, modulatory agents, therapeutic potential, future perspectives and challenges of lncRNAs in BC. We reviewed recent studies published between 2019 and 2020.

Expert opinion: The latest investigations have demonstrated that the long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) participate in different BC molecular subtypes via different molecular mechanisms; however, the exact functional information of the lncRNAs has yet to be elucidated. The studied lncRNAs could be more applicable as therapeutic targets in BC treatment after pre-clinical and clinical studies.

KEYWORDS:

• Breast cancer
• long non-coding rna
• molecular mechanisms
• molecular subtypes

Article highlights

• The latest investigations have demonstrated that the long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) participate in different breast cancer molecular subtypes via different molecular mechanisms.

• lncRNAs regulate various biological pathways, including proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, cell cycle, and metastasis

• lncRNAs have dual functions as oncogene or tumor suppressor in breast cancer

• The exact functional information of the lncRNAs is yet to be elucidated.

• The studied lncRNAs could be more applicable as therapeutic targets in breast cancer treatment after completing pre-clinical and clinical studies.

Acknowledgments

This study was considered as a part of the project entitled “The evaluation of non-coding RNAs role in human cancers” (number: 3522) which is conducted at University of Tabriz. We appreciate all researchers who performed studies on lncRNAs and breast cancer.

Declaration of interest

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Reviewer disclosures

Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.

Additional information

Funding

This study has been supported by a grant of the University of Tabriz (number: 3522).