LncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory axes in endometrial cancer: a comprehensive overview

Introduction Recent research on tumorigenesis and progression has opened up an array of novel molecular mechanisms in the form of interactions between cellular non-coding RNAs (long non-coding RNA[lncRNA]/microRNA [miRNA]) and coding transcripts that regulate health and disease. Endometrial cancer (EC) is a prominent gynecological malignancy with a high incidence rate and poorly known etiology and prognostic factors that hinder the success of disease management. The emerging role of lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA interactions and their dysregulation in the pathophysiology of EC has been elucidated in many recent studies. Methods A thorough literature review was conducted to explore information about lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA axes in EC. Results Several lncRNAs act as molecular sponges that sequester various tumor suppressor miRNAs to inhibit their function, leading to the dysregulation of their target mRNA transcripts that contribute to the EC regulation. Conclusions This review summarizes these networks of molecular mechanisms and their contribution to different aspects of endometrial carcinogenesis, leading to a better conceptualization of the molecular pathways that underlie the disease and helping establish novel diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic intervention points to aid the curative intent of EC.

Automated summary

Multiple lncRNAs act as molecular sponges to sequester tumor suppressor miRNAs, inhibiting their function and leading to dysregulation of target mRNA transcripts in EC regulation.