The stem cell-specific long non-coding RNAs in leukemia

Leukemia is defined as a heterogeneous group of hematological cancers whose prevalence is on the rise worldwide. Despite the large body of studies, the etiology of leukemia has not been fully elucidated. Leukemia stem cells (LSCs) are a subpopulation of cancer cells that sustain the growth of the leukemic clone and are the main culprit for the maintenance of the neoplasm. In contrast to most leukemia cells, LSCs are resistant to chemo- and radiotherapy. Several recent studies demonstrated the altered expression profile of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in LSCs and shed light on the role of lncRNAs in the survival, proliferation, and differentiation of LSCs. LncRNAs are transcripts longer than 200 nucleotides that are implicated in several cellular and molecular processes such as gene expression, apoptosis, and carcinogenesis. Likewise, lncRNAs have shown a prognostic marker in leukemia patients and represent novel treatment options. Herein, we review the current knowledge concerning lncRNAs' implication in the pathogenesis of LSCs and discuss their prognostic, diagnostic, and therapeutic potential.

Automated summary

Leukemia is a group of heterogeneous hematological cancers with increasing prevalence worldwide, and its etiology remains unclear. Leukemia stem cells (LSCs) play a crucial role in maintaining the growth of the leukemic clone and are resistant to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Recent studies have shown altered expression profiles of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in LSCs, influencing the survival, proliferation, and differentiation of LSCs. LncRNAs serve as prognostic markers and potential novel treatment options for leukemia.