Regulation of Metabolic Reprogramming by Long Non-Coding RNAs in Cancer

SIMPLE SUMMARY: The molecular interplay between long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and cancer metabolic reprogramming enables malignant cells to adjust metabolic reactions and nutrient uptake, supporting tumor growth and dissemination. Here, we summarize the current background on lncRNA-driven alterations of cell metabolic processes, with a particular emphasis on hypoxia-inducible pathways, glycolytic process, oxidative phosphorylation, lipid anabolic and catabolic reactions, amino acid metabolism and signal transduction pathways, with the main aim of elucidating the complex network of interactions between metabolism and lncRNA expression and activity. Indeed, due to their pleiotropic roles in cell physiology and cancer development and progression, lncRNAs are currently guarded as promising diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets, providing a novel approach for the early diagnosis and personalized therapy of multiple neoplasms. ABSTRACT: Metabolic reprogramming is a well described hallmark of cancer. Oncogenic stimuli and the microenvironment shape the metabolic phenotype of cancer cells, causing pathological modifications of carbohydrate, amino acid and lipid metabolism that support the uncontrolled growth and proliferation of cancer cells. Conversely, metabolic alterations in cancer can drive changes in genetic programs affecting cell proliferation and differentiation. In recent years, the role of non-coding RNAs in metabolic reprogramming in cancer has been extensively studied. Here, we review this topic, with a focus on glucose, glutamine, and lipid metabolism and point to some evidence that metabolic alterations occurring in cancer can drive changes in non-coding RNA expression, thus adding an additional level of complexity in the relationship between metabolism and genetic programs in cancer cells.