Long Non-coding RNAs Sponging MicroRNAs With Efficacy in Preclinical Models of Esophageal Squamous Cell Cancer.

Esophageal cancer is of two subtypes: Esophageal adenocarcinoma and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Both are associated with a dismal prognosis. Therefore, the identification of new targets and treatment modalities is an issue of paramount importance. In this review, we focus on long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) which have been shown to mediate efficacy in preclinical in vivo models of ESCC by sponging microRNAs. Searching the literature, we identified four lncRNAs which were down-regulated and 23 which were up-regulated in comparison to corresponding normal tissues. The down-regulated lncRNAs lead to up-regulation of oncogenic pathways and down-regulation of tumor suppressors. The up-regulated lncRNAs target transcription factors, transmembrane receptors, cell-cycle related proteins, actin-binding proteins, signaling pathways, enzymes including epigenetic modification factors, cellular transport proteins and other categories. We describe reconstitution and inhibition of function of the corresponding lncRNAs and comment on validation and druggability of the identified targets.