PIWI-interacting RNA in cancer: Molecular mechanisms and possible clinical implications

PIWI-interacting RNA is a class of non-coding small RNA that is similar to 30 nt long and is primarily found in mammalian germ cells from mice and humans. In cooperation with the members of PIWI protein family, this macromolecule participates in germ cell development, inhibits DNA self-replication and maintains genomic stability. Increasing evidence has demonstrated that PIWI-interacting RNA (piRNAs) are abnormally expressed in various human cancers, such as liver cancer, stomach cancer, colorectal cancer, osteosarcoma, breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, etc. piRNAs abnormal expression is also associated with the occurrence and development of human cancers, such as liver cancer, stomach cancer, colorectal cancer, etc. Despite their unclear molecular mechanisms, piRNAs may act as oncogenes or tumor suppressors by interacting with multiple cancer-related signal pathways including STAT3/Bcl-xl or coding genes, such as heat shock transcription factor-1. Hence, piRNAs may be potential markers and targets and provide new opportunities for cancer diagnosis, treatment or prognosis monitoring. The current review mainly aims to highlight the latest research progress made in the biological functions and regulation of piRNAs in mammals, their involvement in various cancer forms and their potential clinical applications.

Automated summary

PIWI-interacting RNA is a type of non-coding small RNA found primarily in mammalian germ cells, which cooperates with PIWI protein family to participate in germ cell development and maintain genomic stability. Abnormal expression of piRNAs is associated with various human cancers, potentially serving as oncogenes or tumor suppressors and providing new opportunities for cancer diagnosis, treatment, or prognosis monitoring.