Involvement of Long Non-Coding RNAs in Glucose Metabolism in Cancer

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a heterogenous group of transcripts that regulate various cellular functions. They are implicated in all hallmarks of cancer, including metabolic alterations. Through the modulation of expression of oncogenic or tumor-suppressive genes, alteration of various signaling pathways, protein stability, and upregulation of metabolic enzymes, lncRNAs enhance glucose uptake in cancer and, thus, favor cancer progression. These transcripts represent crucial regulators of cancer glucose metabolism and, as such, they are potential clinical biomarkers and therapeutic targets. This review aims to provide an overview of the lncRNAs involved in cancer glucose metabolism and summarizes their underlying molecular mechanisms. ABSTRACT: The rapid and uncontrolled proliferation of cancer cells is supported by metabolic reprogramming. Altered glucose metabolism supports cancer growth and progression. Compared with normal cells, cancer cells show increased glucose uptake, aerobic glycolysis and lactate production. Byproducts of adjusted glucose metabolism provide additional benefits supporting hallmark capabilities of cancer cells. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a heterogeneous group of transcripts of more than 200 nucleotides in length. They regulate numerous cellular processes, primarily through physical interaction with other molecules. Dysregulated lncRNAs are involved in all hallmarks of cancer including metabolic alterations. They may upregulate metabolic enzymes, modulate the expression of oncogenic or tumor-suppressive genes and disturb metabolic signaling pathways favoring cancer progression. Thus, lncRNAs are not only potential clinical biomarkers for cancer diagnostics and prediction but also possible therapeutic targets. This review summarizes the lncRNAs involved in cancer glucose metabolism and highlights their underlying molecular mechanisms.