The Role of Long Noncoding RNA (lncRNAs) Biomarkers in Renal Cell Carcinoma

Abstract

Renal cell carcinoma is one of the common cancers whose incidence and mortality are continuously growing worldwide. Initially, this type of tumour is usually asymptomatic. Due to the lack of reliable diagnostic markers, one-third of ccRCC patients already have distant metastases at the time of diagnosis. This underlines the importance of establishing biomarkers that would enable the prediction of the disease’s course and the risk of metastasis. LncRNA, which modulates genes at the epigenetic, transcriptional, and post-transcriptional levels, appears promising. The actions of lncRNA involve sponging and sequestering target miRNAs, thus affecting numerous biological processes. Studies have confirmed the involvement of RNAs in various diseases, including RCC. In this review, we focused on MALAT1 (a marker of serious pathological changes and a factor in the promotion of tumorigenesis), RCAT1 (tumour promoter in RCC), DUXAP9 (a plausible marker of localized ccRCC), TCL6 (exerting tumour-suppressive effects in renal cancer), LINC00342 (acting as an oncogene), AGAP2 Antisense1 (plausible predictor of RCC progression), DLEU2 (factor promoting tumours growth via the regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition), NNT-AS1 (sponge of miR-22 contributing to tumour progression), LINC00460 (favouring ccRCC development and progression) and Lnc-LSG1 (a factor that may stimulate ccRCC metastasis).