The Functional Role of Long Non-Coding RNAs in Melanoma

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are heterogeneous RNA molecules that can regulate a plethora of cellular processes including proliferation, differentiation, migration, invasion and apoptosis through diverse mechanisms. Growing evidence indicates that aberrant expression of lncRNA leads to the development and progression of cancer, including melanoma, and might contribute to the acquisition of drug resistance. Moreover, their tightly-regulated expression and their high tissue and disease specificity make them promising biomarkers in non-invasive diagnostics of cancer. This review summarizes current knowledge regarding the involvement of lncRNAs in melanoma along with their possible use as diagnostic biomarkers. ABSTRACT: Melanoma is the most lethal skin cancer, with increasing incidence worldwide. The molecular events that drive melanoma development and progression have been extensively studied, resulting in significant improvements in diagnostics and therapeutic approaches. However, a high drug resistance to targeted therapies and adverse effects of immunotherapies are still a major challenge in melanoma treatment. Therefore, the elucidation of molecular mechanisms of melanomagenesis and cancer response to treatment is of great importance. Recently, many studies have revealed the close association of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) with the development of many cancers, including melanoma. These RNA molecules are able to regulate a plethora of crucial cellular processes including proliferation, differentiation, migration, invasion and apoptosis through diverse mechanisms, and even slight dysregulation of their expression may lead to tumorigenesis. lncRNAs are able to bind to protein complexes, DNA and RNAs, affecting their stability, activity, and localization. They can also regulate gene expression in the nucleus. Several functions of lncRNAs are context-dependent. This review summarizes current knowledge regarding the involvement of lncRNAs in melanoma. Their possible role as prognostic markers of melanoma response to treatment and in resistance to therapy is also discussed