Non-Coding RNA as Biomarkers and Their Role in the Pathogenesis of Gastric Cancer - A Narrative Review

Sep 21, 2026

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Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are a diverse group of gene regulators that include microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and circular RNAs. Aberrant ncRNA expression reshapes gene regulation and contributes to the pathogenesis of malignancies and inflammatory diseases. Gastric cancer ranks among the most frequently diagnosed cancers and a leading cause of cancer-related death. Evidence suggests altered ncRNAs promote tumourigenesis by affecting proliferation, apoptosis, drug resistance, and metastasis. This review summarizes their diagnostic and prognostic biomarker potential and explains ncRNA involvement in gastric cancer via interactions with major signalling pathways.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages27

Reading Time1 h 8 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

An Overview of Non-Coding RNA

ncRNA families and interactions

Mechanisms of ncRNA regulation

Review Non-Coding RNA as Biomarkers and Their Role in the Pathogenesis of Gastric Cancer—A Narrative Review Estera Bakinowska, Kajetan Kiełbowski , Patryk Skórka , Aleksandra Dach , Joanna Olejnik-Wojciechowska , Agata Szwedkowicz and Andrzej Pawlik * Citation: Bakinowska, E.; Kiełbowski, K.; Skórka, P.; Dach, A.; OlejnikWojciechowska, J.; Szwedkowicz, A.; Pawlik, A. Non-Coding RNA as Biomarkers and Their Role in the Pathogenesis of Gastric Cancer—A Narrative Review. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25, 5144. [https://doi.org/](https://doi.org/)[ ](https://doi.org/)[10.3390/ijms25105144](10.3390/ijms25105144) Academic Editor: Matteo Curtarello Received: 8 April 2024 Revised: 3 May 2024 Accepted: 7 May 2024 Published: 9 May 2024 Copyright: © 2024 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license ([https://](https://)[ ](https://)[creativecommons.org/licenses/by/](creativecommons.org/licenses/by/)[ ](creativecommons.org/licenses/by/)[4.0/](4.0/)) . Department of Physiology, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; [esterabakinowska@gmail.com](esterabakinowska@gmail.com) (E.B.); [kajetan.kielbowski@onet.pl](kajetan.kielbowski@onet.pl) (K.K.); [p.skorka04@gmail.com](p.skorka04@gmail.com) (P.S.); [dach.aleksandra@icloud.com](dach.aleksandra@icloud.com) (A.D.); [olejnikjoanna25@gmail.com](olejnikjoanna25@gmail.com) (J.O.-W.); [szwedkowiczagata@gmail.com](szwedkowiczagata@gmail.com) (A.S.) * [Correspondence: pawand@poczta.onet.pl](Correspondence: pawand@poczta.onet.pl) Abstract: Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) represent a broad family of molecules that regulate gene expression, including microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs and circular RNAs, amongst others. Dysregulated expression of ncRNAs alters gene expression, which is implicated in the pathogenesis of several malignancies and inflammatory diseases. Gastric cancer is the fifth most frequently diagnosed cancer and the fourth most common cause of cancer-related death. Studies have found that altered expression of ncRNAs may contribute to tumourigenesis through regulating proliferation, apoptosis, drug resistance and metastasis. This review describes the potential use of ncRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. Moreover, we discuss the involvement of ncRNAs in the pathogenesis of gastric cancer, including their interactions with the members of major signalling pathways. Keywords: gastric cancer; non-coding RNA; microRNA; long non-coding RNA; circular RNA; biomarkers 1. Introduction Gastric cancer (GC) is the fifth most frequently diagnosed cancer and the fourth most common cause of cancer-related death [1] . Based on the molecular profile, GC can be subdivided into gnomically stable, chromosomally unstable, microsatellite unstable and Epstein–Barr virus positive [2] . Examining the molecular profile of tumours introduced a significant breakthrough in the field of oncology, as it allows for the introduction of targeted therapies. For example, patients with GC overexpressing human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) can be treated with a directed monoclonal antibody, trastuzumab [2,3] . Furthermore, multiple other targets are being examined as potential candidates for the treatment of GC [4] . Unfortunately, many patients with GC are diagnosed at advanced stages of the disease. Therefore, investigating strategies for early detection of GC could allow patients tobe treated earlier. Moreover, the identification of biomarkers that could discriminate between treatment responders and non-responders, as well as factors associated with the prognosis, could improve long-term treatment outcomes. Currently, the commonly used and standardised tumour markers are tumour antigens and ectopic hormones [5] . In this review, we discuss the potential use of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and t

FAQs

What types of non-coding RNAs are discussed in this review?

The review covers microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and circular RNAs, alongside other ncRNA categories such as small ncRNAs and related regulatory groups.

How can altered ncRNA expression contribute to gastric cancer?

Dysregulated ncRNAs change gene expression and may drive tumour development by regulating proliferation, apoptosis, drug resistance, and metastasis.

How are ncRNAs proposed to be used clinically in gastric cancer?

The review describes ncRNAs as potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, and it discusses their involvement in key signalling pathway interactions relevant to gastric cancer pathogenesis.

Sep 21, 2026

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