Long noncoding RNAs in gastric cancer: From molecular dissection to clinical application

Long noncoding RNAs(lnc RNAs) are important regulators of cell processes that are usually dysregulated in gastric cancer(GC). Based on their high specificity and ease of detection in tissues and body fluids, increasing attention has spurred the study of the roles of lnc RNAs in GC patients. Thus, it is necessary to elucidate the molecular mechanisms and further explore the clinical applications of lnc RNAs in GC. In this review, we summarize current knowledge to examine dysregulated lnc RNAs in GC and their underlying molecular mechanisms and activities in GC, which involve micro RNA sponging, m RNA stability, genetic variants, alternative splicing, transcription factor binding, and epigenetic modification. More significantly, the potential of lnc RNAs as prognostic,circulating, and drug-resistant biomarkers for GC is also described. This review highlights the method of dissecting molecular mechanisms to explore the clinical application of lnc RNAs in GC. Overall, this review offers assistance in using lnc RNAs as novel candidates for molecular mechanisms and for the identification of revolutionary biomarkers for GC.