Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are
DNA transcripts longer than 200
nucleotides without
protein-coding potential. As they are key regulators of gene expression at chromatic, transcriptional and posttranscriptional level, they play important role in various biological and
pathological processes. Dysregulation of lncRNAs has been observed in several diseases including
cancer.
Breast cancer is heterogeneous disease with many molecular subtypes specific in different prognosis and treatment responses.
Hypoxia, a common micro-environmental feature of rapidly growing tumour is associated with
metastases, recurrences and resistance to
therapy. Aberrant expression of
hypoxia related lncRNAs significantly correlates with poor outcomes in
cancer patients, as the lncRNAs play an important regulatory role in the
breast cancer-cell survival. Thus, a better understanding of lncRNAs role in the hypoxic conditions of
breast cancer is crucial for precise understanding of the
tumorigenesis, disease features and poor clinical outcome, especially in highly aggressive
breast cancer subtypes (HER2-positive and triple-negative types). Moreover, lncRNAs may represent tumour marker predicting prognosis and therapeutic targets improving precise and personalized
therapy for better patient´s survival. In this review, we summarize the recent information on lncRNAs in
breast cancer with special focus on the
hypoxia-responsive lncRNAs and their potential impact on the prognosis,
therapy algorithms and individual outcomes. Presented data helps in better understanding of the specific mechanisms predicting new therapeutic agents and strategies for the pharmacological intervention.