Lung cancer remains a significant global health challenge, largely due to difficulties in early detection and the lack of effective therapeutic strategies for more advanced-stage disease. Elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying lung carcinogenesis and identifying reliable biomarkers is of urgent importance. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), a class of transcripts of >200 nucleotides without protein-coding potential, have recently emerged as key regulators of tumor cell invasion, metastasis, proliferation, apoptosis and angiogenesis. Accumulating evidence suggests that lncRNAs hold notable promise as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in lung cancer. However, a comprehensive overview that integrates their mechanistic roles, clinical potential and the technological advances in their detection, while critically addressing the associated challenges, is lacking, to the best of the authors' knowledge. In the present review, a summary of recent advances in the mechanistic roles of lncRNAs during lung cancer progression and their involvement in therapy response and chemoresistance was provided, along with an up-to-date discussion of emerging detection technologies and their implications for clinical translation. The advantages, limitations and challenges of using lncRNAs as diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers in lung cancer are discussed. By synthesizing these aspects, the present review aimed to highlight the novel insights into lncRNAs and outline future research directions, thereby addressing a critical gap in the current literature.
lung cancerlong non-coding RNAsbiomarkertreatmentprognosisexosomal long non-coding RNAschemoresistanceFunding: No funding was received.Introduction
Lung cancer represents one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide, with an annual incidence of ~1.2 million new diagnoses (1). Histologically, it is divided into two principal categories: Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). NSCLC constitutes ~80% of all lung cancer cases and can be further subdivided into several subtypes: Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), squamous cell carcinoma and large cell carcinoma. In the early stages, NSCLC is often asymptomatic, leading to delayed detection, allowing the cancer to progress and thus high recurrence rates when treated. Although therapeutic strategies, including radiotherapy, chemotherapy and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-targeted agents, have improved, the 5-year survival rate for patients with NSCLC remains poor, ranging from 4–17% (2). While several studies have focused on protein-coding genes, the molecular pathways driving lung cancer pathogenesis and metastasis remain incompletely elucidated. Thus, continued exploration of molecular alterations is essential to uncover novel biomarkers and advance therapeutic interventions for this disease.
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are RNA molecules of >200 nucleotides in length (3). Due to the absence of a complete open reading frame, lncRNAs have traditionally been considered incapable of encoding proteins (4). Accumulating evidence now indicates that a number of transcripts previously annotated as lncRNAs contain small open reading frames and encode functional micropeptides (5). During transcription, lncRNAs are by-products generated by RNA polymerase II, initially considered as ‘junk’ fragments (6). In 1991, Borsani et al (7) confirmed that the lncRNA XIST is involved in X-chromosome inactivation. Since then, increasing research has demonstrated the critical role of lncRNAs in biological functions, with abnormal expression often leading to various diseases, particularly malignancies (8). Differential expression of lncRNAs has been observed in cancerous and adjacent non-cancerous tissues, suggesting their involvement in cancer initiation and progression. For example, Li et al (9) found that the expression of lncRNA HOXA11-AS was markedly higher in oral squamous cell carcinoma tissue compared to adjacent non-cancerous tissues. Liu et al (10) reported that lncRNA H19 is markedly downregulated in nephroblastoma, highlighting its potential role in the development of this cancer.
The multi-faceted roles of lncRNAs in tumorigenesis are increasingly being uncovered. Current evidence indicates their involvement in regulating gene expression through several mechanisms, from epigenetic remodeling to post-transcriptional processing (8,11). Such regulation directly impacts pivotal cellular processes, including cell invasion, metastasis, proliferation, apoptosis and angiogenesis, which define cancer pathogenesis (12). Illustrating their significance, lncRNAs such as HOTAIR, MALAT1, NEAT1 and MEG3 have been characterized as active contributors, either promoting or restraining tumor progression in various contexts (13). A key translational advantage of lncRNAs lies in their detectability in bodily fluids such as plasma and urine, where their expression profiles dynamically reflect disease activity (14). This property positions them as potentially valuable biomarkers for the early detection and prognostic monitoring of lung cancer.
While the roles of lncRNAs in various cancers have been reviewed, a focused, critical evaluation in the context of lung cancer is warranted. This necessity stems from the need to decipher the specific molecular pathogenesis of the world's leading cause of cancer death. Lung cancer's distinct etiology, most notably its strong association with tobacco smoke, drives a unique spectrum of molecular alterations and shapes a correspondingly unique and therapeutically relevant landscape of lncRNA dysregulation (15). This is exemplified by the direct induction of smoke-responsive oncogenic lncRNAs such as smoke and cancer-associated lncRNA 1, which is upregulated by cigarette smoke to mediate reactive oxygen species detoxification and promote cell survival (16). Understanding these etiology-driven lncRNA mechanisms is therefore not merely an academic exercise, but crucial for developing targeted strategies against this uniquely prevalent malignancy. Additionally, the profound clinical challenges in lung cancer, including the high frequency of late-stage diagnosis and the rapid development of resistance to therapy, underscore an urgent and specific need for novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets that lncRNAs may meet (17).
Positioning of this review
While existing reviews have markedly advanced our understanding, a synthesis organized around a dedicated translational framework is still needed. Such a framework should explicitly link mechanistic insights, including therapy resistance, to clinical applications by emphasizing the role of enabling technologies, while also critically evaluating implementation challenges. To precisely define our contribution, this work is positioned through a detailed comparison with five key reviews published between 2019 and 2024.
Compared to the narrative review by Yu et al (18), which begins by highlighting the limitations of traditional lung cancer screening methods and then focuses on summarizing dysregulated lncRNAs as promising biomarkers, the present review adopted a fundamentally different translational structure. Rather than organizing content around biomarker discovery per se, the present review structured its narrative as a continuous translational pipeline. This framework begins with molecular mechanisms, extends to clinical applications including therapy response prediction and culminates in a discussion of the technological advances and practical challenges that determine real world clinical implementation. Thus, while both reviews recognize the clinical potential of lncRNAs, the present review provided a more comprehensive roadmap for their translation.
Whereas Hu et al (19) focus on lncRNA functions in NSCLC tumorigenesis using a translational ‘from bench to bedside’ structure, the present review encompassed both NSCLC and SCLC. Beyond broadening the scope, the present review provided a deeper, dedicated analysis of predictive biomarkers for therapy response. Moreover, it included a standalone section on advances in lncRNA detection, a critical dimension absent from the discussion of Hu et al (19).
In contrast to the broad overview by Lv et al (20), which encompasses all major non-coding RNA types, including miRNAs, lncRNAs and circular RNAs and dedicates significant attention to exosomal ncRNAs in lung cancer, the present review delivered a focused, in-depth synthesis exclusively on lncRNAs across lung cancer. Its core theme is the integrated translational pathway for lncRNAs, rather than the exosome as a functional unit.
While the comprehensive review by Ao et al (21) details the roles of lncRNAs as oncogenes or tumor suppressors within NSCLC, exploring mechanistic networks such as the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) and tumor microenvironment modulation, the present review extended the discussion by introducing a key translational pillar. A primary distinction is its dedicated section evaluating advances in lncRNA detection. The present review focused specifically on how cutting-edge single-cell and spatial transcriptomics revolutionized discovery and bridge biology with clinical application. This represents a distinct technological dimension that complements their mechanistic and clinical analysis.
Finally, in relation to the foundational overview by Jiang et al (22) on regulation patterns and biologic functions, the present review integrated significant subsequent advances, particularly in therapy response and detection methodologies. It employed a more modern translational medicine framework with distinct sections on clinical potential and detection technology and a more comprehensive critical analysis of challenges and future solutions.
In conclusion, the present review offered a distinct integrative and translational perspective. It connected fundamental molecular mechanisms with the complete clinical picture, placing particular emphasis on the role of lncRNAs in predicting therapy response. Furthermore, the present review integrated critical discussions on emerging detection technologies and the principal challenges facing clinical translation, weaving them into a unified narrative. This structured approach addresses a recognized need in the literature and aimed to provide a clear roadmap for advancing lncRNA research toward clinical applications across all major forms of lung cancer, including both SCLC and NSCLC.
lncRNA mechanisms of action
lncRNAs share key biogenetic features with mRNAs, including synthesis by RNA polymerase II from chromatin-template regions (23). Their classification is primarily grounded in a genomic context and includes long intergenic, intronic, antisense, bidirectional and enhancer-associated lncRNAs (24). Functionally, lncRNAs exhibit a dichotomy in cancer, acting as either oncogenes or tumor suppressors; the former are frequently overexpressed to drive tumorigenesis, while the latter oppose malignant progression and metastasis (25). This dualistic paradigm is clearly illustrated in lung cancer, where disease progression is driven by a dynamic interplay between upregulated oncogenic genes (such as HOTAIR and MALAT1) and downregulated tumor suppressors (such as GAS5 and MEG3). A further functional distinction lies in their range of action: Cis-acting lncRNAs modulate local gene activity, whereas trans-acting types influence targets distantly, reflecting the broad regulatory versatility of these molecules across physiological and pathological states (26).
The functions of lncRNA are largely defined by its subcellular destination (Fig. 1). In the nucleus, these transcripts predominantly govern transcriptional regulation and chromatin architecture. Their strategy often involves recruiting key modifiers, such as transcription factors and epigenetic regulators, to specific genomic sites to alter gene expression (27). For example, the oncogenic lncRNA HOTAIR operates as a modular epigenetic scaffold in the nucleus, recruiting complexes, such as PRC2, to repress histone markers [histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3)] and silence tumor suppressor genes (28). This epigenetic reprogramming is associated with the hyperactivation of oncogenic pathways, such as the Wnt/β-catenin pathway (29). A distinct nuclear role entails functioning as molecular scaffolds that provide a structural foundation for nuclear bodies, thereby coordinating extensive regulatory networks (30). Similarly, MALAT1 localizes to nuclear speckles and regulates alternative splicing by interacting with serine/arginine-rich proteins, while also participating in transcriptional activation (31). Shifting to the cytoplasm, the functional focus of lncRNAs transitions to post-transcriptional control. Here, they exert influence over a broad spectrum of events, including mRNA stability, translational efficiency and the dynamics of intracellular signaling pathways, in part through mechanisms such as molecular sponging (32). MALAT1, for example, functions as a classic molecular sponge by sequestering tumor-suppressive miR-145, thereby dysregulating the SOX9 oncogene and enhancing cancer progression, a process that can be targeted by natural compounds such as Glehnia littoralis polysaccharides (33). Conversely, the tumor-suppressive lncRNA GAS5 functions as a decoy in the cytoplasm by binding to the glucocorticoid receptor, preventing its transcriptional activation of pro-survival genes and also acts as a ceRNA to modulate pathways, such as mTOR and AKT (34). These mechanisms and associated signaling pathways are summarized in Table I (28,29,31,33–36).
lncRNAs exert their regulatory influence on gene expression via three core mechanistic modes: Chromatin interaction, RNA target binding and modulation of protein activity (37). A single lncRNA frequently operates through multiple such pathways in parallel, forming intricate regulatory circuits. This functional versatility allows them to interface with diverse cellular components, a property of substantial relevance to cancer (38). The frequent downregulation of tumor-suppressive lncRNAs such asGAS5 and MEG3 in advanced lung cancer, often through mechanisms such as promoter hypermethylation, removes essential growth constraints (35). In the case of MEG3, this epigenetic silencing abrogates its critical nuclear function in activating the p53 tumor suppressor pathway, a key mechanism for its growth-inhibitory effects (36). Indeed, numerous studies have linked lncRNA activity to key oncogenic processes, including uncontrolled proliferation, evasion of apoptosis, invasion, metastasis and resistance to therapy (36,39,40). Therefore, a systematic exploration of lncRNA expression and function is essential, both for advancing our fundamental understanding of tumors and for developing novel diagnostics and targeted therapies. Future therapeutic strategies must therefore be dual-pronged, aiming to inhibit oncogenic lncRNAs while devising means to reactivate silenced tumor-suppressive ones.
lncRNAs in the development of lung cancer
The onset and progression of lung cancer are both driven by dysregulated gene expression, typically involving the activation of oncogenes and the inhibition of tumor suppressor genes. lncRNAs have been identified as key regulatory factors that influence lung cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis, as well as invasion, metastasis and tumor angiogenesis (Fig. 2).
lncRNAs in lung cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis
How tumor cells achieve uncontrolled proliferation and evade cell death is a central question in cancer research (41). lncRNAs are important regulators of these processes in lung cancer, primarily through acting as ceRNAs to sponge miRNAs, modulating epigenetic states and influencing key metabolic pathways such asglycolysis (42,43). A prevalent mechanism is the presence of ceRNA networks, where lncRNAs sequester specific miRNAs, thereby reducing the expression of the miRNAs' target genes and thus driving oncogenic phenotypes. For example, Tang et al (44) demonstrated that lncRNA UCA1 promotes lung cancer cell proliferation and inhibits apoptosis by competitively binding miR-383 to upregulate vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA). Similarly, Liu et al (45) demonstrated that lncRNA DARS-AS1 drives tumor progression in lung cancer by enhancing cell proliferation and suppressing apoptotic death. Mechanistically, DARS-AS1 functions by sequestering miR-188-5p, an action that ultimately leads to the elevated expression of the KLF12 protein. This ceRNA mechanism also extends to the regulation of cancer cell metabolism. lncRNA HOXA11-AS promotes proliferation and glycolysis by binding to miR-148b-3p to enhance PKM2 expression (46), while LINC00665 facilitates aerobic glycolysis via a let-7c-5p/HMMR axis (42).
Beyond post-transcriptional regulation, lncRNAs directly influence the cell cycle and epigenetic programming. lnc-TMEM132D-AS1 promotes proliferation and induces M2/G1 cell cycle arrest by sponging miR-766-5p to upregulate ENTPD1 (39). By contrast, lncRNA SNHG6 employs a different strategy; it recruits EZH2 to the p27 promoter, leading to H3K27me3-mediated epigenetic silencing of this key cell cycle inhibitor, thereby enhancing the G1/S transition and proliferation (47). In summary, these studies underscore the critical role of lncRNAs in regulating lung cancer cell proliferation, the cell cycle and apoptosis. A summary of these mechanisms is provided in Table II (39,42,44–60).
While in vitro models have provided most of the current insights into lncRNA function in lung cancer cell growth and death, the true regulatory landscape within a complex tumor microenvironment (TME) is markedly more complex. This disparity between model systems and physiological reality represents a key challenge that can only be addressed through robust in vivo experimentation.
lncRNAs in lung cancer cell invasion and metastasis
Tumor cell invasion and metastasis constitute the primary drivers of cancer recurrence and patient mortality (61), underscoring the critical need to elucidate their underlying mechanisms for therapeutic advancement. Within this paradigm, lncRNAs have been identified as essential regulators. For example, work by Li et al (62) illustrated how lncRNA TEX41 promoted lung cancer cell invasion and metastasis by upregulating Runx2 and suppressing the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. This regulatory influence extended beyond the cancer cells themselves. Notably, components of the TME, such as neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) formed during infection or inflammation, are increasingly being recognized for their role in facilitating metastatic spread (63). Supporting this, Wang et al (64) demonstrated that NETs promoted NSCLC metastasis by inhibiting lncRNA MIR503HG, an action that activated the pro-metastatic NF-κB/NOD-like receptor protein 3 inflammasome pathway.
Central to cancer metastasis is epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a pivotal reprogramming event that dismantles the epithelial phenotype and confers cells increased migratory and invasive attributes associated with a mesenchymal state (65). As key regulators of this process, the dysregulation of specific lncRNAs has been shown to drive EMT, thereby endowing lung cancer cells with invasive and metastatic capabilities. Pan et al (66) reported that lncRNA JPX promoted lung cancer cell invasion and metastasis by competitively binding miR-33a-5p to upregulate Twist1, thereby activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, thereby inducing EMT. Additionally, Zhong et al (67) found that lncRNA AFAP1-AS1 induced EMT and accelerated the migration and invasion of lung cancer cells by interacting with SNIP1 to upregulate c-Myc. The specific mechanism involves AFAP1-AS1 binding to SNIP1, which acts as a molecular guide to mediate the SNIP1-c-Myc interaction. This interaction likely masks the ubiquitination site of c-Myc, thereby inhibiting its ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation, leading to the accumulation of stabilized c-Myc protein. The elevated c-Myc protein, as a transcription factor, subsequently upregulates the transcription of key EMT master regulators, including ZEB1, ZEB2 and SNAIL. The increased expression of these factors drives the EMT program, characterized by the loss of epithelial markers, such as E-cadherin and the gain of mesenchymal markers. This reprogramming confers enhanced migratory and invasive properties to lung cancer cells, ultimately promoting metastasis (67).
In summary, invasion and metastasis are multi-step malignant processes and lncRNAs may act as key regulatory factors in these processes. Developing blockers targeting lncRNAs could potentially reduce lung cancer metastasis, thus improving patient prognosis. A summary of lncRNAs associated with lung cancer migration, invasion, metastasis and EMT is provided in Table III (40,62,64,66–74).
lncRNA in lung cancer angiogenesis
Angiogenesis is the formation of new blood vessels from preexisting vessels to provide a nutrient supply that supports tumor cell growth. Tumor-induced angiogenesis is characterized by high permeability, irregular blood vessel formation, vascular infiltration and immature blood vessels (75). Generally, tumor angiogenesis is a complex process regulated by various angiogenic factors and signaling pathways, such as VEGF and the angiopoietin (Ang)/Tie2 signaling pathway (76). VEGF is the primary regulator of endothelial cell proliferation, directly facilitating tumor growth and metastasis (77). Chen et al (78) found that lncRNA LINC00173.v1 acts as a molecular sponge for miR-511-5p, thereby enhancing VEGFA expression. VEGFA, in turn, directly acts on endothelial cells to promote angiogenesis, accelerating the progression of lung squamous cell carcinoma. Additionally, Hou et al (79) demonstrated that in NSCLC, lncRNA EPIC1 stimulates endothelial cell proliferation via the Ang2/Tie2 pathway, leading to angiogenesis and the formation of vascular channels.
The pro-angiogenic functions of lncRNAs establish them as key facilitators of tumor progression, directly orchestrating the shift from a localized lesion to widespread metastatic disease.
Clinical potential of lncRNAs
As our understanding of the pathogenic roles of lncRNAs in lung cancer increases, their translational prospects have become increasingly compelling. Their specific expression across different disease contexts provides a foundation for novel approaches in early detection, treatment monitoring and outcome prediction. This section addressed the advances in applying lncRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers, therapeutic targets and prognostic tools, tracing their development from bench research to clinical utility.
lncRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers for lung cancer
The ongoing challenge of early lung cancer diagnosis, primarily due to a lack of reliable biomarkers, continues to negatively impact patient survival, even as imaging technologies advance (1). This reality highlights the critical need for diagnostic methods that are not only effective but also economical and minimally invasive. Here, lncRNAs offer considerable promise. They are notable for their high specificity, stability in body fluids such as serum and saliva and suitability for quantitative analysis, making them strong candidates as diagnostic biomarkers (12).
However, a critical assessment from the perspective of non-invasive diagnosis reveals several challenges. While lncRNAs demonstrate good stability in circulation, their typically low abundance in body fluids poses significant technical challenges for the reliability of detection and analytical sensitivity, potentially limiting their clinical utility in real-world settings (80). However, the performance of individual lncRNAs varies. A comparative analyses of key diagnostic metrics across different studies, such as area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity and specificity, are summarized in the present review, revealing the potential and limitations of various lncRNA candidates (Table IV) (81–93). HOTAIR, for example, is dysregulated across numerous types of cancer yet shows a sensitivity of only 52.3% in NSCLC detection, despite an 86.9% specificity, which is insufficient for a standalone diagnosis (81). This characteristically low sensitivity is particularly problematic for non-invasive early detection, as it can lead to unacceptably high false-negative rates in screening scenarios, potentially missing early-stage cancer when intervention would be most beneficial.
A more productive approach involves combining several biomarkers. One study found that the exosomal lncRNA GAS5 is downregulated in NSCLC. When GAS5 was used in conjunction with the conventional marker CEA, the combined AUC reached 0.929, outperforming either marker alone and demonstrating a significant boost in positive diagnosis rates (82). Notably, combining lncRNAs themselves can also yield improvements. Serum levels of XIST and HIF1A-AS1 are elevated in NSCLC. Their combined use achieved an AUC of 0.931, which was higher than that of XIST (AUC=0.834) or HIF1A-AS1 (AUC=0.876) used independently (83). A systematic comparison of the diagnostic performance between single and combined biomarkers is provided in Table IV (81–93). A clear pattern emerged; all combined biomarker panels demonstrated a consistent increase in AUC values to >0.9, with synchronous optimization of both sensitivity and specificity, markedly outperforming any single biomarker. This comparison provides compelling evidence of the substantial value in incorporating lncRNAs into combined diagnostic strategies. While these combination strategies show improved performance, they also increase the complexity and potential cost of non-invasive tests, which are important considerations for developing economically viable liquid biopsy platforms suitable for widespread clinical implementation.
Research has indicated that exosomes are selectively packaged with distinct lncRNA profiles in malignant tissues, facilitating their role in cell-to-cell communication and tumor progression (94–96). Exosomal lncRNAs are crucial for studying tumor biology as they participate in various processes such as cell proliferation, invasion, metastasis, angiogenesis, drug resistance and immune-suppressive microenvironments (97,98). For example, Shi et al (97) found that lncRNA Mir100hg is upregulated in lung cancer stem cells and can be delivered via exosomes to target miR-15a-5p and miR-31-5p, thereby increasing glycolytic activity and enhancing the metastatic potential of lung cancer cells. Therefore, lncRNA Mir100hg may serve as a diagnostic biomarker for lung cancer. Similarly, Mao et al (98) demonstrated that exosomal lncRNA FOXD3-AS1 derived from lung cancer cells upregulated the expression of ELAV-like RNA-binding protein 1 and activated the PI3K/Akt pathway to promote lung cancer progression, thus making lncRNA FOXD3-AS1 another potential diagnostic biomarker for lung cancer. Despite this strong biological rationale, the technical challenges in consistently isolating and characterizing tumor-derived exosomes from blood samples remain substantial. The current lack of standardized protocols for exosome isolation and lncRNA quantification represents a major bottleneck in translating these findings into clinically applicable non-invasive tests (99).
lncRNAs show promising diagnostic efficiency as non-invasive biomarkers for lung cancer, yet their clinical translation requires addressing key limitations. Current evidence is constrained by insufficient sample sizes, unclear mechanisms of dysregulation, technical challenges in reliably isolating tumor-derived exosomes from bodily fluids and a lack of comprehensive specificity analysis across cancer types (21). Future work should prioritize large-scale multicenter validation using standardized liquid biopsy protocols, mechanistic studies of lncRNA secretion and function in biofluids and direct comparisons of leading lncRNA candidates across a range of populations. Ultimately, transforming lncRNAs into clinically viable non-invasive diagnostic tools will depend on developing robust, cost-effective detection methods and rigorously demonstrating their analytical and clinical validity in real-world settings.
Application of lncRNAs in lung cancer treatment
Currently, surgery, thoracic radiotherapy, chemotherapy and targeted therapies are commonly used either alone or in combination to treat patients with lung cancer (100). However, resistance to chemotherapy and targeted therapies requires exploration of novel therapeutic approaches (2). Since lncRNAs play crucial roles in various aspects of lung cancer development and regulate key signaling pathways, they represent promising therapeutic targets. Moreover, several lncRNAs are associated with enhanced chemotherapy resistance, suggesting that targeting these lncRNAs may potentially restore cancer cell sensitivity to chemotherapy drugs (101,102).
There are several strategies for targeting lncRNAs in cancer treatment, including RNA interference (RNAi)-based gene silencing, antisense oligonucleotide (ASO)-based therapies, small-molecule regulators that modulate lncRNA-protein interactions and the delivery of tumor-suppressive lncRNAs (36,103–105). It has been shown that HOTAIR-siRNA, loaded into sodium alginate microspheres, can markedly inhibit the proliferation, migration and invasion of lung cancer cells (103). Further study in a PC9/GR cell xenograft model in male BALB/c nude mice confirmed that intratumoral injection of si-HOTAIR suppresses tumor growth in vivo (103). This anti-tumor effect is attributed to its ability to alleviate acquired resistance to EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) by regulating the Hedgehog-Gli1 signaling pathway (103). Furthermore, HOTAIR siRNA-mediated knockdown increases the sensitivity of lung cancer cells to cisplatin treatment (106). However, RNAi may cause off-target effects and nuclear RNA targeting poses challenges, as several lncRNAs function within the cell nucleus in lung cancer. By contrast, ASOs offer advantages due to their high affinity, relatively low off-target effects and reduced toxicity (107). A study demonstrated that, in the mice model of experimental lung metastasis established via intravenous injection of A549 cells, treatment with MALAT1 ASO resulted in smaller lung tumor nodules compared to control (105). Additionally, Gong et al (104) developed a MALAT1-specific ASO and nuclear-targeted TAT peptide co-functionalized Au nanoparticles, called ASO-Au-TAT nanoparticles. These nanoparticles exhibited high biocompatibility and markedly reduced the formation of metastatic lung tumor nodules in an experimental lung metastasis model established by intravenous injection of A549 cells in mice. This suggests that MALAT1-ASO can inhibit lung cancer metastasis and may serve as a reliable therapeutic approach for managing lung cancer. Targeting the interaction between lncRNAs and proteins may be an effective strategy to reduce off-target effects and enhance targeting specificity. Several lncRNAs promote tumorigenesis in lung cancer through interactions with the epigenetic regulator EZH2 or by modulating EZH2 activity. Researchers have developed high-throughput screening methods to identify small molecule inhibitors that target specific lncRNA-EZH2 interactions (108). lncRNA MEG3, a well-known tumor suppressor, inhibits lung cancer cell migration and invasion and is downregulated in lung cancer tissues (109). Overexpression of lncRNA MEG3 exerts potent antitumor effects in lung cancer. In vivo, ectopic expression of MEG3 markedly suppressed the growth of SPC-A1 cell-derived xenograft tumors in female athymic BALB/c nude mice. This was associated with reduced proliferation and induced apoptosis of NSCLC cells in vitro (36). These findings indicate that delivering tumor-suppressive lncRNAs, such as MEG3, represents a promising therapeutic strategy for lung cancer. However, delivering tumor-suppressive lncRNAs as a clinical treatment still requires further research.
Predictive lncRNAs for therapeutic response in lung cancer
Beyond their potential as direct therapeutic targets, lncRNAs are increasingly recognized for their value as predictive biomarkers. This application focuses on forecasting an individual patient's likelihood of responding to a specific, established therapy, such as chemotherapy, targeted agents, or immunotherapy, thereby guiding personalized treatment decisions and avoiding ineffective treatments and associated toxicity (110).
To date, this predictive potential has been substantiated across all major therapeutic modalities for lung cancer. In the realm of targeted therapy, reduced lncRNA H19 expression promotes acquired resistance to EGFR-TKIs such as erlotinib in EGFR-mutant lung cancers by activating the PKM2/AKT signaling axis (111). The observation that AKT inhibition restores erlotinib sensitivity in resistant models further supports the functional importance of this pathway (111). In clinical cohorts of EGFR-mutant lung cancer patients receiving EGFR-TKIs, lower H19 levels are associated with markedly shorter progression-free survival, indicating its utility as a predictive biomarker for this specific patient population (111).
During chemotherapy, lncRNA UCA1 is frequently upregulated in NSCLC and promotes resistance to platinum-based drugs. Clinically, elevated UCA1 levels in tumor tissues or serum are associated with poor response to platinum-doublet chemotherapy and worse clinical outcomes, positioning it as a potential predictive marker for chemosensitivity (112,113). Similarly, lncRNA XIST drives cisplatin resistance through mechanisms such as modulating glycolysis and inhibiting programmed cell death. Its high expression is associated with poor chemotherapy response in patients and has been validated as a predictive biomarker in preclinical models (114,115). Furthermore, lncRNA HCG11 has been shown to suppress gemcitabine resistance in NSCLC by acting as a ceRNA for miR-17-5p and upregulating p21 expression. Its tumor-suppressive role and ability to modulate chemosensitivity highlight its potential as a predictive biomarker for responses to gemcitabine-based chemotherapy (116).
The predictive role of lncRNAs is also prominently exemplified in the context of immunotherapy, where they can directly modulate the expression of immune checkpoint molecules. Two compelling examples highlight distinct mechanistic layers of this regulation. First, lncRNA LINC02418 functions as a post-translational negative regulator of PD-L1. It promotes the ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of PD-L1 protein by enhancing its interaction with the E3 ligase Trim21. Consequently, higher LINC02418 expression is associated with lower PD-L1 protein levels, increased CD8+ T cell infiltration and predicts more favorable clinical outcomes in NSCLC patients receiving anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy (117). By contrast, lncRNA NKX2-1-AS1 operates at the transcriptional level to suppress PD-L1. It interacts with the transcription factor NKX2-1, interfering with its binding to the CD274 (PD-L1) promoter, thereby repressing PD-L1 gene transcription. Loss of NKX2-1-AS1 may thus contribute to an immune-evasive phenotype characterized by elevated PD-L1 expression, positioning it as a potential biomarker for identifying tumors reliant on the PD-1/PD-L1 axis (118).
These examples underscore a critical translational avenue: the profiling of specific lncRNAs could enable pretreatment stratification of patients into probable responders and non-responders. By integrating such predictive lncRNA signatures with existing clinicopathological and genetic data, a more precise and effective personalized treatment strategy can be envisioned. However, the clinical implementation of lncRNA-based predictive models requires rigorous validation in large, prospective multicenter cohorts and standardization of detection methods in accessible biospecimens such asplasma or serum.
lncRNAs as prognostic biomarkers for lung cancer
Beyond predicting the likelihood of response to specific therapies, lncRNAs also hold significant value in forecasting the long-term outcomes of lung cancer patients. The prognosis of patients with lung cancer is closely associated with the tumor node metastasis (TNM) staging system (119). Due to the presence of drug resistance, the overall survival rate for patients with lung cancer remains low. Currently, there is no accurate method to assess the prognosis of lung cancer. Studies have shown that lncRNAs can serve as predictive biomarkers for TNM staging, suggesting their potential as prognostic markers for lung cancer. For example, Wang et al (120) performed bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation, discovering that a novel lncRNA, AC079630.4, was markedly downregulated in lung cancer tissues. Low expression of lncRNA AC079630.4 was associated with later-stage disease and a worse prognosis compared to those with high expression, indicating that it could serve as a potential prognostic marker for lung cancer. Similarly, Chen et al (121) found that lncRNA AC099850.3 was markedly upregulated in LUAD. Through Cox multivariate regression analysis, it was demonstrated that lncRNA AC099850.3 was an independent prognostic factor associated with overall survival (OS), disease-free survival and progression-free survival in patients with LUAD. Liu et al (122) discovered that lncRNA KTN1-AS1 promoted the proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT of NSCLC cells while inhibiting apoptosis. The expression of KTN1-AS1 is associated with TNM stage, histological grade and lymph node metastasis, with high KTN1-AS1 expression correlating with reduced OS in patients with NSCLC. Furthermore, Song et al (123) used Cox regression and LASSO regression analysis to identify five lncRNAs associated with LUAD prognosis. Among them, GSEC, FAM83A-AS1, AL606489.1 and AC010980.2 were identified as potential risk factors, whereas AL034397.3 was a potential protective factor.
These findings indicate that lncRNAs can serve as prognostic markers and their expression levels in tumors may be used to assess patients' clinicopathological features and OS.
Advances in lncRNA detection
Since the 1970s, DNA sequencing has evolved from first-generation technologies to third-generation sequencing, making significant contributions to the unraveling of the human genome sequence (124). When applied to lncRNA research, these advanced technologies have proven particularly powerful. For example, Qi et al (125) identified a novel lncRNA, LNC11649, in NSCLC using PacBio third-generation sequencing technology. This molecule was shown to promote cytoplasmic MSI1 distribution by interacting with MSI1, thereby activating the Akt signaling pathway to regulate NSCLC cell proliferation and migration. These findings not only reveal a novel molecular mechanism in NSCLC progression but also highlight the potential of LNC11649 as a diagnostic biomarker, given its specific role in promoting oncogenic signaling pathways.
Similarly, single-cell sequencing has become indispensable for dissecting the roles of lncRNAs within the complex TME, as it can reveal gene expression patterns and lncRNA regulatory networks at the cellular level, which is crucial for understanding tumor heterogeneity (126). The power of single-cell resolution is exemplified by several recent studies leading to the discovery of functionally distinct lncRNAs in LUAD. For instance, mining of the single-cell RNA-seq dataset CancerSEA identified LINC00847, a lncRNA whose expression is associated with immune cell infiltration and PD-L1 regulation and lncRNA PCBP1-AS1, a metastasis suppressor whose expression is negatively associated with metastatic states in single-cell data, these molecules may serve as potential therapeutic targets for LUAD (127,128). Direct analysis of LUAD single-cell RNA-seq data enabled the construction of a prognostic gene signature, from which SFTA3 was prioritized as a key component. Its clinical relevance was validated by prognostic association in independent cohorts and its tumor-suppressive function was confirmed through in functional investigations showing that knockdown promoted proliferation and migration while overexpression inhibited these phenotypes. Its diagnostic potential was further indicated by markedly decreased serum levels in LUAD patients (129). Importantly, these single-cell-derived hypotheses often require spatial validation. A prime example is the study of LINC01116: Initial single-cell analysis re-localized its expression from tumor cells to lymphatic endothelial cells, a finding that was critically validated at spatial resolution by RNA-FISH, thereby solidifying its role in tumor lymphangiogenesis (130). This case highlights a growing paradigm in which high-resolution single-cell findings provide compelling hypotheses for subsequent spatial validation.
To overcome the limitation of single-cell sequencing, which loses spatial information, spatial transcriptomics provides precise localization data. The integration of these two methods is key to fully understanding cellular heterogeneity and spatial organization (131). This powerful combination has directly accelerated lncRNA discovery. Zhu et al (132) Combined single-cell RNA sequencing with spatial transcriptomics in LUAD; the authors' work not only identified the specific subpopulations of cancer cells and the TME but also mapped their spatial topography and interactions. This multi-faceted analysis provided a window into the molecular and cellular dynamics driving the progression from in situ to invasive adenocarcinoma. Such spatial and molecular characterization of lncRNAs enhances their potential as diagnostic biomarkers by linking their expression to specific tumor regions and progression stages. Lin et al (96) employed single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics to identify lncCRLA, a chemotherapy resistance-associated lncRNA in LUAD. This lncRNA was shown to be highly expressed in LUAD and demonstrated prognostic potential for predicting disease progression and evolution. The discovery of lncCRLA underscored the clinical relevance of lncRNAs as biomarkers for both diagnosis and prediction of treatment response in lung cancer.
Furthermore, to support such integrative analyses, resources such as the updated LnCeCell 2.0 database have been developed, which combines single-cell and spatial transcriptomics data and provides tools for investigating lncRNA-related ceRNA networks with high resolution, thereby improving our understanding of regulatory mechanisms in complex ecosystems (133). These resources markedly facilitate the identification and validation of lncRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers by enabling comprehensive analysis of their expression and functional networks across different cellular and spatial contexts.
Challenges and future perspectives
Although evidence supports the potential of lncRNAs as diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic tools for lung cancer, numerous limitations remain for their clinical translation, particularly in diagnostics. For example, translating exosomal lncRNA biomarkers into reliable clinical assays faces significant hurdles, including their low abundance in biofluids, technical challenges in isolation and detection and a critical lack of standardization (134). To overcome this, future work must focus on standardizing isolation protocols, developing more sensitive detection technologies (such as digital PCR and next-generation sequencing) and establishing uniform validation criteria for exosomal lncRNAs to ensure their reliability as clinical biomarkers (135). Additionally, while nucleic acid-based therapies (such as ASOs and siRNAs) targeting lncRNAs hold therapeutic promise, their development faces challenges, including off-target effects, which could confound the functional validation of these lncRNAs as diagnostic targets (21). Furthermore, unlike proteins, the three-dimensional structures of several lncRNAs remain largely unknown and the absence of conserved domains complicates the design of small-molecule inhibitors and, more broadly, the understanding of their precise mechanisms of action (136). The mechanisms and regulatory networks of a number of lncRNAs in lung cancer remain poorly understood, hindering the identification of highly specific and reliable diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers. Although certain lncRNAs, such as MALAT1, are conserved, most lack cross-species conservation, hindering validation in animal models and preclinical studies, which are crucial steps for both therapeutic and biomarker development (137,138).
A significant obstacle for therapeutic applications is the difficulty in the pulmonary delivery of nucleic acid-based agents such assiRNA and ASO (139,140). Physical barriers such as mucosa and cilia, along with immune clearance mechanisms, complicate initial delivery (141). To overcome these drug delivery hurdles, potential solutions include the development of advanced nanoparticle-based delivery systems (such as lipid nanoparticles and polymeric nanoparticles) and novel approaches such as CRISPR-based genome editing tools that can directly target lncRNA genes, though these strategies require further optimization for lung-specific delivery and improved safety profiles (142,143). Zeng et al (142) discovered that LINC02178 is a carcinogen for LUAD and accordingly developed a nanoparticle small interfering RNA delivery system (NPs/2178) targeting this gene. The NPs/2178 gene delivery system markedly promoted LUAD apoptosis and inhibited tumor growth, representing a promising gene therapy strategy. Wang et al (143) confirmed that lncRNA FAM83H-AS1 is a carcinogen for LUAD and targeted FAM83H-AS1 based on the CRISPR interference method to inhibit the progression of LUAD. Therefore, further optimization of in vivo lung drug delivery techniques is necessary to accurately evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of lncRNA-based therapies in lung cancer.
Looking ahead, research should focus on three key areas. First, multi-omics integrative analyses, including studies on lncRNA-protein interaction networks (144) and joint epigenomics-transcriptomics analyses (145). Such integrated approaches can help bridge the current knowledge gaps by comprehensively mapping lncRNA regulatory circuits and identifying novel, clinically relevant lncRNA targets. Second, high-throughput approaches can be used to analyze in greater detail the molecular mechanisms of cross-regulation between redox and epigenetic systems in vitro and in vivo, elucidating regulatory mechanisms and providing guidance for clinical treatment (146). Third, targeted drug delivery systems for lung cancer treatment need to be developed. For example, Tian et al (147) found that intravenous injection of exosome-targeted doxorubicin, a chemotherapy drug, specifically delivered it to tumor tissues in nude mice, inhibiting tumor growth with minimal toxicity. These platforms can be leveraged not only for the targeted delivery of lncRNA therapeutics but also for the capture and detection of tumor-specific exosomal lncRNAs, potentially leading to novel liquid biopsy platforms for early diagnosis and monitoring.
In conclusion, while lncRNAs face numerous challenges in clinical application, further research is essential to address these issues. Specifically, future efforts should prioritize bridging the translation gap for exosomal lncRNA biomarkers through standardization and improved detection methods and addressing drug-delivery challenges through innovative engineering approaches, ultimately unlocking their full potential in lung cancer management.
Conclusions
Lung cancer is the most common type of cancer in the respiratory system. The pathogenesis of lung cancer is highly complex and remains incompletely understood. Understanding the mechanisms underlying lung cancer is crucial for developing effective therapeutic strategies. Accumulating evidence indicates that numerous dysregulated lncRNAs contribute to lung cancer development and progression. These molecules are implicated in a range of biological processes, including proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, metastasis and angiogenesis. Moreover, aberrant lncRNA expression can be readily detected in the body fluids of patients and shows strong correlations with TNM stage, highlighting their potential as non-invasive biomarkers and therapeutic targets (Fig. 3).
Despite these promising findings, clinical application of lncRNAs faces several challenges, such as the lack of standardized detection methods, potential off-target effects and limited cohort validation. Addressing these limitations will be critical for their effective application in clinical practice. Future research should focus on translating these findings into clinical applications, such as integrating lncRNA signatures into AI-based diagnostic tools to improve early detection and personalized treatment strategies. Nevertheless, lncRNAs represent valuable diagnostic and prognostic markers and may serve as promising candidates for targeted therapies in lung cancer. Future studies should continue to identify aberrantly expressed lncRNAs and their precise functional roles in tumor biology and to explore innovative lncRNA-based therapeutic approaches.
Acknowledgements
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Authors' contributions
RP prepared the original manuscript draft. CW and YT participated in conceptualization. FZ and YZ participated in guiding the preparation and design of this manuscript. QZ reviewed and edited the paper. Data authentication is not applicable. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
Ethics approval and consent to participate
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Patient consent for publication
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Competing interests
The authors declare that they have no competing interests.
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Mechanisms of lncRNA-mediated regulation in the nucleus and cytoplasm. Within the nucleus, lncRNAs facilitate gene regulation through multiple mechanisms. They can promote ① the formation of chromatin loops or ② serve as scaffolding platforms that recruit diverse regulatory complexes to gene promoters, leading to transcriptional activation or repression. This is often achieved by ③ guiding epigenetic modifiers to specific genomic loci, thereby altering DNA or histone methylation patterns. ④ Nuclear lncRNAs can also recruit regulatory molecules to mRNAs to regulate mRNA processing. Following their export to the cytoplasm for translation, mRNAs become targets for miRNAs, which typically repress gene expression by ⑤ inducing mRNA degradation or inhibiting translation. ⑥ Cytoplasmic lncRNAs can counteract this repression by acting as ceRNAs, sequestering miRNAs and consequently derepressing their target mRNAs. Beyond miRNA sponging, cytoplasmic lncRNAs also ⑦ regulate protein-protein interactions and protein stability, thereby modulating signal transduction pathways and the resulting gene expression profiles. ⑧ Similarly, the sequestration of miRNAs by sponging mechanisms serves as a key regulatory layer for signaling cascades by controlling mRNA activity. lncRNA, long non-coding RNAs; miRNAs, microRNAs; ceRNAs, competitive endogenous RNAs.
Figure 1. Mechanisms of lncRNA–mediated regulation in the nucleus and cytoplasm. Within the nucleus, lncRNAs facilitate gene regulation through multiple mechanisms. They can promote ① the formation of...
lncRNAs participate in the regulation of cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, metastasis and angiogenesis in lung cancer. lncRNA, long non-coding RNAs.
Figure 2. lncRNAs participate in the regulation of cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, metastasis and angiogenesis in lung cancer. lncRNA, long non–coding RNAs.
The complete process of lncRNAs in lung cancer research. RNA extraction was carried out from tissues or body fluids of lung cancer patients. Bioinformatics analysis was conducted using single-molecule sequencing technology to identify differential lncRNA molecules and conduct in vitro and in vivo studies to further clarify the potential mechanisms by which these lncRNAs are involved in the progression of lung cancer. The considerable diagnostic and prognostic potential of lncRNAs is undergoing extensive validation in large clinical cohorts, while simultaneously driving the development of novel therapeutic strategies for lung cancer patients. lncRNA, long non-coding RNAs; RISC, RNA-induced silencing complex; siRNA, short interfering RNA; RNAi, RNA interference; ASO, antisense oligonucleotide.
Figure 3. The complete process of lncRNAs in lung cancer research. RNA extraction was carried out from tissues or body fluids of lung cancer patients. Bioinformatics analysis was conducted using singl...
Key lncRNAs in lung cancer, their mechanisms and associated signaling pathways.
First author/s, year
LncRNA
Functional role
Expression
Subcellular localization
Primary mechanisms of action
Associated signaling pathways
(Refs.)
Herrera-Solorio et al, 2017; Hakami et al, 2024
HOTAIR
Oncogene
Up
Nucleus
Functions as a modular epigenetic scaffold. Recruits PRC2 to deposit the repressive histone mark H3K27me3, leading to silencing of tumor suppressor genes.
Wnt/β-catenin pathway (activated via epigenetic silencing of its inhibitors).
(28,29)
Tripathi et al, 2010; Alinejad et al, 2025
MALAT1
Oncogene
Up
Nucleus/Cytoplasm
1. Nucleus: Localizes to nuclear speckles; regulates alternative splicing by interacting with SR proteins and participates in transcriptional activation.
miR-145/SOX9 axis and other pathways promoting cancer progression.
(31,33)
2. Cytoplasm: Acts as a molecular sponge/ceRNA by sequestering tumor-suppressive miR-145, leading to dysregulation of oncogenes such as SOX9.
Zhou and Chen, 2020
GAS5
Tumor suppressor
Down
Cytoplasm
1. Decoy mechanism: Serves as a decoy RNA by binding to the GR, preventing its transcriptional activation of pro-survival genes.
GR pathway, mTOR pathway, AKT pathway.
(34)
2. ceRNA mechanism: Functions as a ceRNA to modulate pathways such as mTOR and AKT.
Ghafouri-Fard and Taheri, 2019; Lu et al, 2013
MEG3
Tumor suppressor
Down
Nucleus
Exerts growth-inhibitory effects primarily by activating the p53 tumor suppressor pathway. Its frequent downregulation is often mediated by promoter hypermethylation.