PIWI-Interacting RNAs (PiRNAs) as Emerging Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets in Biliary Tract Cancers - A Comprehensive Review

Sep 21, 2026

Uploaded by Noah

Cancers affecting the biliary tract, including gallbladder cancer and cholangiocarcinoma, are increasing yet often lack dependable molecular markers for early diagnosis and accurate prognosis, resulting in limited treatment options. PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that associate with PIWI proteins and have been linked to multiple diseases, particularly cancer. By modulating piRNA expression, piRNAs may support biomarker development and therapeutic targeting. The review evaluates how piRNAs influence gene expression and key pathways driving digestive cancer progression, while noting existing limitations requiring further research to enable effective piRNA-based diagnostics and therapies for biliary tract cancers.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages23

Reading Time58 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Clinical background of biliary tract cancers

Anatomical subtypes and classification

Epidemiology and incidence trends

Heliyon 10 (2024) e33767 Contents lists available at ScienceDirect Heliyon journal [homepage:](homepage: www.cell.com/heliyon)[ www.cell.com/heliyon](homepage: www.cell.com/heliyon) | Review article
PIWI-interacting RNAs (PiRNAs) as emerging biomarkers and therapeutic targets in biliary tract cancers: A comprehensive review
Sahar Ahmadi Asouria , Esmat Aghadavooda , Hamed Mirzaeib , Alireza Abaspour c , Mohammad Esmaeil Shahaboddina, b, *
a Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
b Institute for Basic Sciences, Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
c Department of Pathobiology and Laboratory Sciences, School of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran | | | | --- | --- | --- | | A R T I C L E I N F O | | A B S T R A C T | | Keywords:
Biliary tract cancers (BTCs)
Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) Prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers Therapeutic targets
Gastrointestinal cancers | | Cancers affecting the biliary tract, such as gallbladder cancer and cholangiocarcinoma, make up a small percentage of adult gastrointestinal malignancies, but their incidence is on the rise. Due to the lack of dependable molecular biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis, these cancers are often not detected until later stages and have limited treatment options. Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are a type of small noncoding RNA that interacts with Piwi proteins and has been linked to various diseases, especially cancer. Manipulation of piRNA expression has the potential to serve as an important biomarker and target for therapy. This review uncovers the relationship between PIWI-interacting RNA (piRNA) and a variety of gastrointestinal cancers, including biliary tract cancer (BTC). It is evident that piRNAs have the ability to impact gene expression and regulate key genes and pathways related to the advancement of digestive cancers. Abnormal expression of piRNAs plays a significant role in the development and progression of digestive-related malignancies. The potential of piRNAs as potential biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis, as well as therapeutic targets in BTC, is noteworthy. Nevertheless, there are obstacles and limitations that require further exploration to fully comprehend piRNAs’ role in BTC and to devise effective diagnostic and therapeutic approaches using piRNAs. In summary, this review underscores the value of piRNAs as valuable biomarkers and promising targets for treating BTC, as we delve into the association between piRNAs and various gastrointestinal cancers, including BTC, and how piRNAs can impact gene expression and control essential pathways for digestive cancer advancement. The present research consists of a thorough evaluation presented in a storytelling style. The databases utilized to locate original sources were PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar, and the search was conducted using the designated keywords. | * Corresponding author. Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Pezeshk Blvd, Qotbe Ravandi Blvd, Kashan, Iran (Islamic Republic of) P.O. Box: 8715973449. E-mail address: [shahaboddin@kaums.ac.ir](shahaboddin@kaums.ac.ir) (M. Esmaeil Shahaboddin). [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e33767](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e33767) Received 20 October 2023; Received in revised form 9 June 2024; Accepted 26 June 2024 Available online 27 June 2024 2405-8440/© 2024 Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license ([http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/](http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)). 1. Introduction Biliary tract obstruction is a common clinical problem that can be caused by various factors, including gallstones, cancerous tumors, inflammation of the pancreas,

FAQs

Why are biliary tract cancers difficult to diagnose and treat?

Biliary tract cancers are often detected at later stages because dependable molecular biomarkers are lacking. Limited treatment options further constrain clinical outcomes.

What are piRNAs and how are they connected to cancer?

PiWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that interact with PIWI proteins. Their abnormal expression is linked to development and progression of digestive-related malignancies.

How does this review frame piRNAs as biomarkers or therapeutic targets for biliary tract cancers?

The review highlights that piRNAs can influence gene expression and regulate key pathways associated with cancer advancement. It also emphasizes their potential roles in diagnostic/prognostic biomarkers and as therapeutic targets, while noting barriers that need further investigation.

Sep 21, 2026

Uploaded by Noah