The Emerging Function and Mechanism of ceRNAs in Cancer. Issue 4 (April 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wang, Yunfei; Hou, Jiakai; He, Dandan; Sun, Ming; Zhang, Peng; Yu, Yonghao; Chen, Yiwen
• Is Part Of: Trends in genetics. Volume 32:Issue 4(2016)
• Page Start: 211
• Page End: 224
• Publication Date: 2016-04
• Subjects: Genetics -- Periodicals; 576.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2016.02.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0168-9525

Abstract

Abstract : Complex diseases, such as cancer, are often associated with aberrant gene expression at both the transcriptional and post-transcriptional level. Over the past several years, competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) have emerged as an important class of post-transcriptional regulators that alter gene expression through a miRNA-mediated mechanism. Recent studies in both solid tumors and hematopoietic malignancies showed that ceRNAs have significant roles in cancer pathogenesis by altering the expression of key tumorigenic or tumor-suppressive genes. Characterizing the identity, function, and mechanism of the ceRNAs will not only further our fundamental understanding of RNA-mediated cancer pathogenesis, but may also shed light on the development of new RNA-based therapeutic strategies for treating cancer. Trends: In recent years, ceRNAs have emerged as an important class of post-transcriptional regulators that alter gene expression through a miRNA-mediated mechanism. Studies in both solid tumors and hematopoietic malignancies showed that ceRNAs have important roles in different aspects of cancer etiology, suggesting that ceRNAs have potential as therapeutic targets. A combination of computational and experimental approaches has been instrumental in characterizing the identity, function, and mechanism of the ceRNAs.