NORAD, a critical long non-coding RNA in human cancers

The incidence of cancer is growing worldwide, and it is becoming the most common cause of death. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a group of RNA transcripts with a length larger than 200 nucleotides that cannot encode proteins or peptides. LncRNAs regulate different biological functions by controlling gene expressions at transcriptional, translational, and post-translational levels. Non-coding RNA activated by DNA damage (NORAD) is a highly conserved lncRNA necessary for genome stability. LncRNA NORAD is dysregulated in various types of cancers. This biomarker has been involved in numerous processes associated with carcinogeneses, such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and metastasis. In this paper, we reviewed the role of lncRNA NORAD and its biological functions in various human cancers to provide future research insights.

Automated summary

The incidence of cancer is increasing globally, with long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) playing a key role in regulating biological functions by controlling gene expressions. The highly conserved lncRNA NORAD is crucial for genome stability and dysregulated in various types of cancers, affecting processes such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and metastasis. This review provides insights into the role of lncRNA NORAD in different human cancers, offering directions for future research.