The role of long non-coding RNAs and circular RNAs in cervical cancer: modulating miRNA function

Introduction Cervical cancer (CC) remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide. The progression of CC is heavily influenced by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, particularly HPV types ۱۶ and ۱۸. Recent studies have identified long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs) as key regulators in the pathogenesis of CC. These non-coding RNAs modulate cellular processes through interactions with microRNAs (miRNAs), influencing cancer cell proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and resistance to treatment. This study summarizes the current understanding of the role of lncRNAs and circRNAs in CC, highlighting their therapeutic potential and their function in modulating miRNAs. Methods A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted, focusing on the roles of lncRNAs and circRNAs in cervical cancer. Studies were analyzed to determine how these non-coding RNAs interact with miRNAs to affect various biological pathways. Key examples of lncRNAs such as HOTAIR, CCAT۲, and GAS۵, and circRNAs like hsa_circ_۰۰۰۰۵۱۵, hsa_circ_۰۰۲۳۴۰۴, and circRNA-۰۰۰۰۰۷۸ were selected to demonstrate their involvement in modulating cancer progression through their miRNA interactions. Results The findings revealed that several lncRNAs and circRNAs have significant roles in the modulation of miRNAs, thereby influencing cancer progression. LncRNAs like HOTAIR and CCAT۲ act as oncogenes by sponging specific miRNAs and activating pathways such as the Notch-Wnt and mTOR pathways. For example, HOTAIR modulates the miR-۲۳b/MAPK۱ axis, promoting cell proliferation and metastasis. Similarly, the lncRNA GAS۵ acts as an onco-suppressor by sponging miR-۱۰۶b, enhancing radiosensitivity in cervical cancer cells. CircRNAs, such as hsa_circ_۰۰۰۰۵۱۵, function as miRNA sponges, regulating miR-۳۲۶, which affects the expression of genes like ELK۱ and Beclin۱ involved in apoptosis and autophagy. Additionally, circRNAs like hsa_circ_۰۰۲۳۴۰۴ modulate cancer cell proliferation and invasion through the miR-۱۳۶/TFCP۲/YAP pathway. Furthermore, circRNA-۰۰۰۰۰۷۸ was shown to suppress cervical cancer cell survival by regulating the miRNA-۲۰۵-۵p/EREG axis. Conclusion LncRNAs and circRNAs play crucial roles in the pathogenesis of cervical cancer by modulating miRNA function. Their ability to influence critical cancer pathways presents them as potential therapeutic targets and diagnostic biomarkers for cervical cancer. However, while these findings are promising, more clinical research is needed to validate the therapeutic benefits of targeting these non-coding RNAs in cervical cancer. The use of lncRNAs and circRNAs as biomarkers for early detection and prognosis of CC also requires further investigation to improve patient outcomes.

کلیدواژه ها:

cervical cancer ، long non-coding RNAs ، circular RNAs ، miRNA ، microRNAs