LncRNA-miRNA axes in breast cancer: Novel points of interaction for strategic attack

Therapeutic effectiveness in breast cancer can be limited by the underlying mechanisms of pathogenesis, including epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), cancer stem cells (CSCs) and drug resistance. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) are master regulators of gene expression and are functionally important mediators in these mechanisms of pathogenesis. Intricate crosstalks between these non-coding RNAs form complex regulatory networks of post-transcriptional gene regulation. Depending on the specific lncRNA/miRNA interaction, the lncRNA-miRNA axis can have tumor suppressor or oncogenic effects, thus defining the lncRNA-miRNA axis is important for determining targetability. Herein, we summarize the current literature describing lncRNA-miRNA interactions that are critical in the molecular mechanisms that regulate EMT, CSCs and drug resistance in breast cancer. Further, we review both the well-studied and potential novel mechanisms of lncRNA-miRNA interactions in breast cancer.

Automated summary

Studies have shown that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial regulatory roles in the pathogenesis of breast cancer, forming complex regulatory networks of post-transcriptional gene regulation. Depending on specific lncRNA/miRNA interactions, the lncRNA-miRNA axis can have either tumor suppressor or oncogenic effects, making it important for determining therapeutic targets.