Published online May 7, 2015. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v21.i17.5220
Peer-review started: November 20, 2014
First decision: December 26, 2014
Revised: January 18, 2015
Accepted: March 27, 2015
Article in press: March 27, 2015
Published online: May 7, 2015
Processing time: 174 Days and 17.7 Hours
Gastric cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Metastasis, which is an important element of gastric cancer, leads to a high mortality rate and to a poor prognosis. Gastric cancer metastasis has a complex progression that involves multiple biological processes. The comprehensive mechanisms of metastasis remain unclear, though traditional regulation modulates the molecular functions associated with metastasis. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have a role in different gene regulatory pathways by epigenetic modification and by transcriptional and post-transcription regulation. lncRNAs participate in various diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. The altered expressions of certain lncRNAs are linked to gastric cancer metastasis and invasion, as with tumor suppressor genes or oncogenes. Studies have partly elucidated the roles of lncRNAs as biomarkers and in therapies, as well as their gene regulatory mechanisms. However, comprehensive knowledge regarding the functional mechanisms of gene regulation in metastatic gastric cancer remains scarce. To provide a theoretical basis for therapeutic intervention in metastatic gastric cancer, we reviewed the functions of lncRNAs and their regulatory roles in gastric cancer metastasis.
Core tip: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), are emerging as players in multiple biological processes, and are involved in many diseases via the regulation of gene expression at the chromatin, transcriptional, or posttranscriptional level. Their roles in gastric carcinoma metastasis are quite complex; however, the comprehensive study of metastasis will provide us with new perspectives to develop future therapeutic treatments. lncRNAs, which play pivotal roles in gastric cancer metastasis, may help provide future treatments to improve the quality of life of patients with metastatic gastric cancer.