Long Noncoding RNAs as Players in Breast Tumorigenesis

• Comprehensive analysis of the mammalian genome uncovered the discovery of pervasive transcription of large RNA transcripts that do not code for proteins, namely, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). LncRNAs play important roles in the regulation of gene expression from integration of chromatin remodeling complexes to transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation of protein-coding genes. Application of next-generation sequencing technologies to cancer transcriptomes has revealed that aberrant expression of lncRNAs is associated with tumor progression and metastasis. Although thousands of lncRNAs have been shown to be dysregulated in different cancer types, just few of them have been fully characterized. In this book chapter, we aim to highlight recent findings of the mechanistic function of lncRNAs in breast cancer and summarize key examples of lncRNAs that are misregulated during breast tumorigenesis. We have categorized breast cancer–associated lncRNA according to their contribution to tumor suppression or tumor progression based on recent studies. Because some of them are expressed in a specific molecular breast cancer subtype, we have outlined lncRNAs that can potentially serve as diagnostic and prognostic markers, in which expression is linked to chemotherapy resistance. Finally, we have discussed current limitations and perspectives on potential lncRNA targets for use in therapies against breast cancer.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Cancer och onkologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Cancer and Oncology (hsv//eng)

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Medicinska och farmaceutiska grundvetenskaper -- Cell- och molekylärbiologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Basic Medicine -- Cell and Molecular Biology (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Breast cancer

Chemoresistance

Gene expression regulation

Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA)

Metastasis

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

kap (subject category)