The role of epigenetics and long noncoding RNA MIAT in neuroendocrine prostate cancer

Epigenomics. 2016 May;8(5):721-31. doi: 10.2217/epi.16.6. Epub 2016 Apr 20.

Abstract

Neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) is the most lethal prostatic neoplasm. NEPC is thought to originate from the transdifferentiation of AR-positive adenocarcinoma cells. We have previously shown that an epigenetic/noncoding interactome (ENI) orchestrates cancer cells' plasticity, thereby allowing the emergence of metastatic, drug-resistant neoplasms. The primary objective of this manuscript is to discuss evidence indicating that some components of the ENI (Polycomb genes, miRNAs) play a key role in NEPC initiation and progression. Long noncoding RNAs represent vast and largely unexplored component of the ENI. Their role in NEPC has not been investigated. We show preliminary evidence indicating that a lncRNA (MIAT) is selectively upregulated in NEPCs and might interact with Polycomb genes. Our results indicate that long noncoding RNAs can be exploited as new biomarkers and therapeutic targets for NEPC.

Keywords: MIAT; Polycomb; epigenetic/noncoding interactome; long noncoding RNAs; neuroendocrine prostate cancer; transdifferentiation.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers, Tumor / physiology*
  • Cell Transdifferentiation
  • Epigenesis, Genetic*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors / genetics*
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors / metabolism
  • Polycomb-Group Proteins / genetics
  • Polycomb-Group Proteins / metabolism
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / metabolism
  • RNA, Long Noncoding / physiology*

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Miat long non-coding RNA
  • Polycomb-Group Proteins
  • RNA, Long Noncoding