The Role of LncRNAs in Uveal Melanoma

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Uveal melanoma is a rare cancer with a bad prognosis that needs new therapeutic and diagnostic approaches. In this regard, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a pivotal role in cancer, among other diseases, and could be used as therapeutic targets of diagnostic markers. In this review, lncRNAs related to uveal melanoma are revealed to better understand their mechanism of action, and inspire the development of novel treatment and diagnostic approaches. In addition, the interaction of lncRNA with other non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) is also discussed since it might be one of the most relevant mechanisms of action. The compiled information is helpful not only for uveal melanoma experts, but also for ncRNA cancer researchers. ABSTRACT: Uveal melanoma (UM) is an intraocular cancer tumor with high metastatic risk. It is considered a rare disease, but 90% of affected patients die within 15 years. Non-coding elements (ncRNAs) such as long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have a crucial role in cellular homeostasis maintenance, taking part in many critical cellular pathways. Their deregulation, therefore, contributes to the induction of cancer and neurodegenerative and metabolic diseases. In cancer, lncRNAs are implicated in apoptosis evasion, proliferation, invasion, drug resistance, and other roles because they affect tumor suppressor genes and oncogenes. For these reasons, lncRNAs are promising targets in personalized medicine and can be used as biomarkers for diseases including UM.