An Emerging Link Between LncRNAs and Cancer Sex Dimorphism

Overview

Journal Hum Genet

Specialty Genetics

Date 2023 Dec 14

PMID 38095719

Authors

Ikrame Naciri

Maria D Andrade-Ludena

Ying Yang

Mei Kong

Sha Sun

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

The prevalence and progression of cancer differ in males and females, and thus, sexual dimorphism in tumor development directly impacts clinical research and medicine. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are increasingly recognized as important players in gene expression and various cellular processes, including cancer development and progression. In recent years, lncRNAs have been implicated in the differences observed in cancer incidence, progression, and treatment responses between men and women. Here, we present a brief overview of the current knowledge regarding the role of lncRNAs in cancer sex dimorphism, focusing on how they affect epigenetic processes in male and female mammalian cells. We discuss the potential mechanisms by which lncRNAs may contribute to sex differences in cancer, including transcriptional control of sex chromosomes, hormonal signaling pathways, and immune responses. We also propose strategies for studying lncRNA functions in cancer sex dimorphism. Furthermore, we emphasize the importance of considering sex as a biological variable in cancer research and the need to investigate the role lncRNAs play in mediating these sex differences. In summary, we highlight the emerging link between lncRNAs and cancer sex dimorphism and their potential as therapeutic targets.

Citing Articles

Loss of XIST lncRNA unlocks stemness and cellular plasticity in ovarian cancer.

Naciri I, Liang M, Yang Y, Karner H, Lin B, De Lourdes Andrade Ludena M Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2024; 121(47):e2418096121.

PMID: 39546568 PMC: 11588085. DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2418096121.

Long non-coding RNAs: recent insights, remaining challenges, and exciting new directions.

Andersen R Hum Genet. 2024; 143(7):797-799.

PMID: 39048854 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-024-02689-8.

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