Interaction of Long Non-Coding RNAs and MicroRNAs on Human Papillomavirus and Epstein–Barr Virus-Associated Cancers: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are RNA transcribed from DNA not including any encoded protein and they generally function as a regulator of gene expression in epigenetic terms. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a large class of RNA transcribe with lengths longer than 200 nucleotides, whereas microRNAs (miRNAs) are a small class of transcribed RNA molecules of length 21–25 nucleotides. Both classes play important roles in a variety of cellular processes. Dysregulation of lncRNAs and miRNAs contributes to many human diseases, particularly carcinogenesis. Although lncRNA and miRNA have been largely studied and reported in several malignancies, information is still limited on the regulation network of cellular ncRNAs and virus-associated tumors, including human papillomavirus (HPV) and Epstein–Barr virus (EBV). Here, we have reviewed the regulation and correlation of lncRNAs or miRNAs with either HPV or EBV in various kinds of cancers and cell lines to better elucidate and understand carcinogenesis and the viral stage of infection-associated cancer via an epigenetic alteration. Either cellular ncRNAs or viruses could be controlled by each other where associated with cancer development and progression; they could be useful as a therapeutic target in HPV and EBV-associated cancer.