Dysregulation of long non-coding RNA in breast cancer: an overview of mechanism and clinical implication

// Ji Wang 1,2,* , Chenyang Ye 3,* , Hanchu Xiong 1,2 , Yong Shen 4 , Yi Lu 1,2 , Jichun Zhou 1,2 and Linbo Wang 1,2 1 Department of Surgical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China 2 Biomedical Research Center and Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China 3 Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention & Intervention, National Ministry of Education), Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China 4 Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China * These authors have contributed equally to this work Correspondence to: Jichun Zhou, email: // Linbo Wang, email: // Keywords : breast cancer; long non-coding RNA; mechanism; biomarker; treatment target Received : July 10, 2016 Accepted : October 03, 2016 Published : October 08, 2016 Abstract Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), which occupy nearly 98% of genome, have crucial roles in cancer development, including breast cancer. Breast cancer is a disease with high incidence. Despite of recent progress in understanding the molecular mechanisms and combined therapy strategies, the functions and mechanisms of lncRNAs in breast cancer remains unclear. This review presents the currently basic knowledge and research approaches of lncRNAs. We also highlight the latest advances of seven classic lncRNAs and three novel lncRNAs in breast cancer, elucidating their mechanisms and possible therapeutic targets. Additionally, association between lncRNA and specific molecular subtype of breast cancer is reported. Lastly, we briefly delineate the potential roles of lncRNAs in clinical applications as biomarkers and treatment targets.