Small Non-Coding RNAs in Human Cancer

Qunli Xiong; Yaguang Zhang; Junjun Li; Qing Zhu

doi:10.3390/genes13112072

Small Non-Coding RNAs in Human Cancer

Genes (Basel). 2022 Nov 9;13(11):2072. doi: 10.3390/genes13112072.

Authors

Qunli Xiong¹, Yaguang Zhang², Junjun Li³, Qing Zhu¹

Affiliations

¹ Department of Abdominal Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
² State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
³ Department of Radiation Oncology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China.

Abstract

Small non-coding RNAs are widespread in the biological world and have been extensively explored over the past decades. Their fundamental roles in human health and disease are increasingly appreciated. Furthermore, a growing number of studies have investigated the functions of small non-coding RNAs in cancer initiation and progression. In this review, we provide an overview of the biogenesis of small non-coding RNAs with a focus on microRNAs, PIWI-interacting RNAs, and a new class of tRNA-derived small RNAs. We discuss their biological functions in human cancer and highlight their clinical application as molecular biomarkers or therapeutic targets.

Keywords: PIWI-interacting RNA; cancer; diagnosis; microRNA; prognosis; small non-coding RNA; tRNA-derived small RNA; therapy.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

Humans
MicroRNAs* / genetics
Neoplasms* / genetics
RNA, Small Interfering
RNA, Transfer / genetics

Substances

MicroRNAs
RNA, Small Interfering
RNA, Transfer

Grants and funding

This research was funded by Sichuan Science and Technology Programme (2019YFS0042) and 1.3.5 Project for Disciplines of Excellence, West China Hospital (ZYJC21042), Sichuan University for Qing Zhu.