Tumorigenesis-Related Long Noncoding RNAs and Their Targeting as Therapeutic Approach in Cancer

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA) are emerging as players in physiological processes and as crucial contributors to pathologic states, especially cancer. The direct contribution of lncRNAs to tumorigenesis has been demonstrated by loss- or gain-of-function experiments. In this chapter, we describe the most convincing evidences about their contribution to cancer hallmarks, with a focus on lncRNAs able to promote or suppress tumor formation either by their intrinsic properties or by their capacity to modulate known oncogenes/suppressors. Herein, we also describe the main lncRNAs-targeting approaches, discussing the main pros and cons of these methodologies. We further describe preclinical models widely used to address the potential role of lncRNAs as both prognostic/diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets in the field of clinical oncology.