Noncoding RNA-encoded peptides in cancer: biological functions, posttranslational modifications and therapeutic potential

• Published in: Journal of hematology and oncology Vol. 18; no. 1; pp. 20 - 29
• Main Authors: Tan, Shiming, Yang, Wenjuan, Ren, Zongyao, Peng, Qiu, Xu, Xuemeng, Jiang, Xianjie, Wu, Zhu, Oyang, Linda, Luo, Xia, Lin, Jinguan, Xia, Longzheng, Peng, Mingjing, Wu, Nayiyuan, Tang, Yanyan, Han, Yaqian, Liao, Qianjin, Zhou, Yujuan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England BioMed Central Ltd 19.02.2025; BioMed Central; BMC
• Subjects: Amino acids; Animals; Antisense RNA; Biosynthesis; Cancer; Development and progression; Genomes; Health aspects; Humans; Mass spectrometry; MicroRNAs; Molecular modelling; Neoplasms - genetics; Neoplasms - metabolism; Neoplasms - therapy; Non-coding RNA; Peptides; Peptides - genetics; Peptides - metabolism; Polypeptides; Protein Processing, Post-Translational; Proteins; Review; Ribonucleic acid; RNA; RNA polymerase; RNA, Untranslated - genetics; RNA, Untranslated - metabolism; Scientific imaging; Transfer RNA; Tumors; British Columbia
• ISSN: 1756-8722; 1756-8722
• DOI: 10.1186/s13045-025-01671-9

In the present era, noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) have become a subject of considerable scientific interest, with peptides encoded by ncRNAs representing a particularly promising avenue of investigation. The identification of ncRNA-encoded peptides in human cancers is increasing. These peptides regulate cancer progression through multiple molecular mechanisms. Here, we delineate the patterns of diverse ncRNA-encoded peptides and provide a synopsis of the methodologies employed for the identification of ncRNAs that possess the capacity to encode these peptides. Furthermore, we discuss the impacts of ncRNA-encoded peptides on the biological behavior of cancer cells and the underlying molecular mechanisms. In conclusion, we describe the prospects of ncRNA-encoded peptides in cancer and the challenges that need to be overcome.