Diverse functions of long noncoding RNAs in acute myeloid leukemia: emerging roles in pathophysiology, prognosis, and treatment resistance

PURPOSE OF REVIEW Advancements in the next-generation sequencing technologies have identified rare transcripts of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the genome of cancers, including in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The purpose of this review is to highlight the contribution of lncRNAs in AML pathogenesis, prognosis, and chemoresistance. RECENT FINDINGS Several studies have recently reported that deregulated lncRNAs are novel key players in the development of AML and are associated with AML pathophysiology and may serve as prognostic indicators. A few aberrantly expressed lncRNAs that correlated with the recurrent genetic mutations in AML such as NPM1 and RUNX1 have recently been characterized. Moreover, a few lncRNAs in MLL-rearranged leukemia have been described. Additionally, the involvement of lncRNAs in AML chemoresistance has been postulated. SUMMARY Investigating the functional roles of the noncoding regions including lncRNAs, may provide novel insights into the pathophysiology, refine the prognostic schema, and provide novel therapeutic treatment strategies in AML.