The role of long non-coding RNA and DNA methylation in the pathogenesis of ovarian cancer

Abstract

Background. Ovarian cancer (OC) is a group of aggressive heterogeneous malignant neoplasms characterized by rapid progression, low diagnostic potential, high incidence of adverse outcomes, and high potential for metastasis. The present review focuses on one of the main regulators of cell processes that lead to the formation of tumors, namely, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). It is known that they are involved in the regulation of gene expression at the transcriptional, post-transcriptional, translational, and post-translational levels, thereby influencing fundamental biological processes, such as differentiation, proliferation, dose compensation of genes, chromatin remodeling, genomic imprinting, alternative pre-mRNA splicing, and others. lncRNAs can act both as oncogenes and as tumor suppressor genes. Multiple reports show that lncRNAs are involved in the pathogenesis of OC, and their aberrant methylation is one of the most important epigenetic mechanisms for regulation of their own expression. The aim of this review is to address the contribution of IncRNAs and DNA methylation to the oncogenesis of OC and the lncRNA potential as biomarkers. Special attention is paid to the use of exosomal lncRNAs in non-invasive diagnostics of OC. Methods. The search for literature was performed in the Scopus and Web of Science databases using the following keywords: ovarian cancer, long non-coding RNAs, DNA methylation. In accordance with the objectives of the review, the parts that addressed the role of IncRNAs in the pathogenesis of OC were proposed and approved. All articles used in the review were obtained from open sources. Conclusion. Studying IncRNA properties and DNA methylation will improve the prognosis, overall survival, and quality of life of patients with OC. Such studies will help developing fundamentally new biomarkers, targeted therapy and personalized treatment of this socially significant disease.