Propagation and Maintenance of Cancer Stem Cells: A Major Influence of the Long Non-Coding RNA <i>H19</i>

• Main Authors: Clément Lecerf, Evodie Peperstraete, Xuefen Le Bourhis, Eric Adriaenssens
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2020-12-01
• Series: Cells
• Subjects: lncRNA; <i>H19</i>; non-coding RNA; cancer stem cells; tumorigenicity; reprogramming factors
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4409/9/12/2613

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a rare population of tumor cells that exhibit stem cell properties with the abilities of self-renewal and differentiation. These cells are now widely accepted to be responsible for tumor initiation, development, resistance to conventional therapies, and recurrence. Thus, a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in the control of CSCs is essential to improve patient management in terms of diagnostics and therapies. CSCs are regulated by signals of the tumor microenvironment as well as intrinsic genetic and epigenetic modulators. <i>H19</i>, the first identified lncRNA is involved in the development and progression of many different cancer types. Recently, <i>H19</i> has been demonstrated to be implicated in the regulation of CSCs in different types of cancers. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the role and mechanisms of action of <i>H19</i> in the regulation of CSCs. We summarize how <i>H19</i> may regulate CSC division and cancer cell reprogramming, thus affecting metastasis and drug resistance. We also discuss the potential clinical implications of <i>H19</i>.