Long non-coding RNAs: Fundamental regulators and emerging targets of cancer stem cells

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, primarily due to the dearth of efficient therapies that result in long-lasting remission. This is especially true in cases of metastatic cancer where drug resistance causes the disease to recur after treatment. One of the factors contributing to drug resistance, metastasis, and aggressiveness of the cancer is cancer stem cells (CSCs) or tumor-initiating cells. As a result, CSCs have emerged as a potential target for drug development. In the present review, we have examined and highlighted the lncRNAs with their regulatory functions specific to CSCs. Moreover, we have discussed the difficulties and various methods involved in identifying lncRNAs that can play a particular role in regulating and maintaining CSCs. Interestingly, this review only focuses on those lncRNAs with strong functional evidence for CSC specificity and the mechanistic role that allows them to be CSC regulators and be the focus of CSC-specific drug development.

Automated summary

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) or tumor-initiating cells contribute to drug resistance, metastasis, and aggressiveness in cancer. The identification and understanding of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) specific to CSCs can provide potential targets for drug development. This review focuses on lncRNAs with strong functional evidence for CSC specificity and their mechanistic role in regulating and maintaining CSCs, highlighting the challenges and methods involved in identifying these specific lncRNAs.