The MALAT1-breast cancer interplay: insights and implications

ABSTRACT

Introduction

Breast cancer (BC) is a major public health concern, and identifying new biomarkers and therapeutic targets is critical to improving patient outcomes. MALAT1, a long noncoding RNA, has emerged as a promising candidate due to its overexpression in BC and the associated poor prognosis. Understanding the role of MALAT1 in BC progression is paramount for the development of effective therapeutic strategies.

Covered area

This review delves into the structure and function of MALAT1, and examines its expression pattern in breast cancer (BC) and its association with different BC subtypes. This review focuses on the interactions between MALAT1 and microRNAs (miRNAs) and the various signaling pathways involved in BC. Furthermore, this study investigates the influence of MALAT1 on the BC tumor microenvironment and the possible influence of MALAT1 on immune checkpoint regulation. This study also sheds light the role of MALAT1 in breast cancer resistance.

Expert opinion

MALAT1 has been shown to play a key role in the progression of BC, highlighting its importance as a potential therapeutic target. Further studies are needed to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms by which MALAT1 contributes to the development of BC. In combination with standard therapy, there is a need to evaluates the potential of treatments targeting MALAT1, which may lead to improved treatment outcomes. Moreover, study of MALAT1 as a diagnostic and prognostic marker promises improved BC management. Continued efforts to decipher the functional role of MALAT1 and explore its clinical utility are critical to advancing the BC research field.

KEYWORDS:

• MALAT1
• breast cancer
• miRNAs
• tumor microenvironment
• immune checkpoints

Article highlights

• High levels of MALAT1 expression in breast cancer tissues are linked to poor prognosis and increased metastasis.

• MALAT1 regulates multiple pathways involved in breast cancer progression, including cell proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition.

• MALAT1 has potential as a diagnostic marker for breast cancer and as a target for therapeutic intervention.

• MALAT1 influences immune cell infiltration and the immunological microenvironment in breast cancer.

Abbreviations

MALAT1	=	Metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1
BC	=	Breast cancer
LNCRNAs	=	Long non-coding RNAs
NSCLC	=	Non-small cell lung carcinoma
TNBC	=	Triple-negative breast cancer
ER	=	Estrogen receptor
HER	=	Human epidermal growth factor receptor
VEGFA	=	Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
ICBs	=	Immune checkpoint inhibitors
IL-10	=	Interleukin-10
TNF-a	=	Tumor necrosis factor-a
PD-1	=	Programmed cell death protein-1
PD-L1	=	programmed cell death ligand-1
ESCC	=	Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
CRC	=	Colorectal cancer
PDAC	=	Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

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.

Reviewers disclosure

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

Additional information

Funding

This paper was not funded.