Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), once considered transcriptional noise, have emerged as critical regulators of gene expression and key players in cancer biology. Recent breakthroughs have revealed that certain lncRNAs can encode small open reading frame (sORF)-derived peptides, which are now understood to contribute to the pathogenesis of various cancers. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the detection, functional roles, and clinical implications of lncRNA-encoded peptides in cancer. We discuss technological advancements in the detection and validation of sORFs, including ribosome profiling and mass spectrometry, which have facilitated the discovery of these peptides. The functional roles of lncRNA-encoded peptides in cancer processes such as gene transcription, translation regulation, signal transduction, and metabolic reprogramming are explored in various types of cancer. The clinical potential of these peptides is highlighted, with a focus on their utility as diagnostic biomarkers, prognostic indicators, and therapeutic targets. The challenges and future directions in translating these findings into clinical practice are also discussed, including the need for large-scale validation, development of sensitive detection methods, and optimization of peptide stability and delivery.

中文翻译：

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癌症中 LncRNA 编码的肽


长链非编码 RNA （lncRNA） 曾经被认为是转录噪声，现已成为基因表达的关键调节因子和癌症生物学的关键参与者。最近的突破表明，某些 lncRNA 可以编码小的开放阅读框 （sORF） 衍生的肽，现在人们认为这些肽有助于各种癌症的发病机制。本综述综合了目前关于 lncRNA 编码肽在癌症中的检测、功能作用和临床意义的知识。我们讨论了 sORF 检测和验证的技术进步，包括核糖体分析和质谱分析，这些进步促进了这些肽的发现。在各种类型的癌症中探讨了 lncRNA 编码的肽在癌症过程中的功能作用，例如基因转录、翻译调节、信号转导和代谢重编程。这些肽的临床潜力得到了强调，重点关注它们作为诊断生物标志物、预后指标和治疗靶点的效用。还讨论了将这些发现转化为临床实践的挑战和未来方向，包括大规模验证的必要性、灵敏检测方法的开发以及肽稳定性和递送的优化。