Targeting long non-coding RNAs in glioblastoma : a new frontier in cancer therapy

Abstract

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive primary brain tumor observed in adults. It progresses quickly, it has a poor prognosis and is resistant to common treatments like temozolomide (TMZ). This study critically examines the function that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play in the pathological processes of GBM, highlighting their roles in tumor heterogeneity, therapeutic resistance, and dysregulated signaling. A systematic search of 679 papers using PRISMA guidelines resulted 389 studies that were chosen for a comprehensive review. The review addresses at how lncRNAs regulate important pathways like PI3K/AKT, p53, NF-κB, Wnt/β-catenin, and JAK/STAT. It also categorizes lncRNAs according to their genetic origin, subcellular location, and functional roles. The article also emphasizes how lncRNAs affect glioma stemness and immune evasion, as well as their dual oncogenic and tumor-suppressive roles. Overall, this work identifies lncRNAs as promising biomarkers and therapeutic targets, supporting their potential integration into precision medicine for GBM.