Multiple interactions between melatonin and non-coding RNAs in cancer biology

Chem Biol Drug Des. 2021 Sep;98(3):323-340. doi: 10.1111/cbdd.13849. Epub 2021 Jul 16.

Abstract

The melatonin hormone secreted by the pineal gland is involved in physiological functions such as growth and maturation, circadian cycles, and biological activities including antioxidants, anti-tumor, and anti-ischemia. Melatonin not only interacts with proteins but also has functional effects on regulatory RNAs such as long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs). In this study, we overview various physiological and pathological conditions affecting melatonin through lncRNA and miRNA. The information compiled herein will serve as a solid foundation to formulate ideas for future mechanistic studies on melatonin. It will also provide a chance to more clarify the emerging functions of the non-coding transcriptome.

Keywords: Melatonin; cancer; lncRNA; miRNA.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Apoptosis / drug effects*
  • Cell Cycle Checkpoints / drug effects
  • Cyclin-Dependent Kinases / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Cyclin-Dependent Kinases / genetics
  • Cyclin-Dependent Kinases / metabolism
  • Cyclins / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Cyclins / genetics
  • Cyclins / metabolism
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Melatonin / pharmacology*
  • MicroRNAs / metabolism
  • Neoplasms / genetics
  • Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • RNA, Long Noncoding / metabolism*

Substances

  • Cyclins
  • MicroRNAs
  • RNA, Long Noncoding
  • Cyclin-Dependent Kinases
  • Melatonin