Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a class of RNA with transcripts longer than 200 nucleotides that lack functional open reading frames. They play various roles in human carcinoma, such as dysregulating gene expression in prostate cancer (PCa), which results in cancer initiation, development, and progression. The non-coding RNA SChLAP1 (second chromosome locus associated with prostate-1) is highly expressed in approximately 25% of PCas with higher prevalence in metastatic compared to localized PCa. Its expression is detectable non-invasively in PCa patient urine samples. Experimental data suggest that targeting SChLAP1 may represent a novel therapeutic application in PCa. This contribution focuses on the role of lncRNAs SChLAP1 expression in PCa diagnosis and prognosis.
Keywords: lethal prostate cancer; long non-coding RNA; marker of aggressiveness; metastatic prostate cancer; prognostic biomarker; second chromosome locus associated with prostate-1.