Discovering the Role of Long non-coding RNAs in Regulation of Steroid Receptors Signaling in Cancer

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a major group of transcripts with fundamental roles in almost all physiological aspects of cell. They can regulate expression of genes via different mechanisms. In addition, they have been shown to modulate cancer related signaling pathways. Most of lncRNAs are localized in the nucleus and exert their role through recruitment of chromatin modifiers to DNA. Several lines of evidence suggest their participation in steroid hormone receptor (SHR) signaling. Steroid hormones exert their physiological and pathological functions via modulation of gene expression. Through a computerized search of the MEDLINE/PUBMED, Web of Knowledge, Scopus, ProQuest and Google Scholar databases with key words lncRNA, steroid receptor, estrogen receptor, androgen receptor and glucocorticoid receptor, we found pub-lished studies within the maximal date range until July 2017. Many lncRNAs have been shown to regulate or be regulated by SHRs. Numerous treatment strategies in common cancers such as breast and prostate cancer modulate SHR functions. Accordingly, identification of the regulatory network of SHR would pave the way for designing more effective treatment modalities for cancer especially for endocrine therapy unresponsive cancers. The critical role of lncRNAs in this regulatory network potentiates them as therapeutic targets for such common cancers.