Long non-coding RNAs in hematological malignancies: Translating basic techniques into diagnostic and therapeutic strategies

Nonthaphat Kent Wong, Chien Ling Huang (Corresponding Author), Rashidul Islam, Shea Ping Yip (Corresponding Author)

Research output: Journal article publicationReview articleAcademic researchpeer-review

38 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Recent studies have revealed that non-coding regions comprise the vast majority of the human genome and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a diverse class of non-coding RNAs that has been implicated in a variety of biological processes. Abnormal expression of lncRNAs has also been linked to different human diseases including cancers, yet the regulatory mechanisms and functional effects of lncRNAs are still ambiguous, and the molecular details also need to be confirmed. Unlike protein-coding gene, it is much more challenging to unravel the roles of lncRNAs owing to their unique and complex features such as functional diversity and low conservation among species, which greatly hamper their experimental characterization. In this review, we summarize and discuss both conventional and advanced approaches for the identification and functional characterization of lncRNAs related to hematological malignancies. In particular, the utility and advancement of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Cas system as gene-editing tools are envisioned to facilitate the molecular dissection of lncRNAs via different knock-in/out strategies. Besides experimental considerations specific to lncRNAs, the roles of lncRNAs in the pathogenesis and progression of leukemia are also highlighted in the review. We expect that these insights may ultimately lead to clinical applications including development of biomarkers and novel therapeutic approaches targeting lncRNAs.

Original languageEnglish
Article number131
JournalJournal of Hematology and Oncology
Volume11
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 22 Nov 2018

Keywords

  • Biomarkers
  • Experimental approaches
  • Genetic manipulation
  • Hematological malignancies
  • lncRNAs

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Molecular Biology
  • Hematology
  • Oncology
  • Cancer Research

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