Metastasis Associated
Lung Adenocarcinoma Transcript 1 (MALAT1) is a widely studied
lncRNA in
cancer. Although dispensable for normal physiology, MALAT1 is important for
cancer-related pathways regulation. It is localized in the nuclear speckles periphery along with centrally located pre-
RNA splicing factors. MALAT1 associated
cancer signaling pathways include MAPK/ERK, PI3K/AKT, β-
catenin/Wnt, Hippo,
VEGF, YAP, etc. Molecular tools such as immunoprecipitation,
RNA pull-down, reporter assay, Northern blotting, microarray, and q-RT-PCR has been used to elucidate MALAT1's function in
cancer pathogenesis. MALAT1 can regulate multiple steps in the development of tumours. The diagnostic and prognostic significance of MALAT1 has been demonstrated in
cancers of the breast, cervix, colorectum, gallbladder, lung, ovary, pancreas, prostate,
glioma,
hepatocellular carcinoma, and
multiple myeloma. MALAT1 has also emerged as a novel therapeutic target for solid as well as
hematological malignancies. In experimental models,
siRNA and
antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) based strategy has been used for targeting MALAT1. The
lncRNA has also been targeted for the chemosensitization and radiosensitization of
cancer cells. However, most studies have been performed in preclinical models. How the cross-talk of MALAT1 with other signaling pathways affect
cancer pathogenesis is the focus of this article. The diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic significance of MALAT1 in multiple
cancer types are discussed.