The effects of mitochondria-associated long noncoding RNAs in cancer mitochondria: New players in an old arena

LncRNAs, as new players in the old battle against cancer, are significant components of gene regulatory networks. Mitochondria-associated lncRNAs have newly been discovered to work in concert with transcription factors and epigenetic regulators to modulate mitochondrial gene expression and mitochondrial function. Many mitochondria-associated lncRNAs regulate mitochondrial biosynthesis, bioenergetics, apoptosis and possibly govern the cross-talk of mitochondria with nuclei. The complexity of mitochondria-associated lncRNAs is now just starting to envisage. In this review, we collected available evidence that reinforces the importance of mitochondria-associated lncRNA in cancer metabolism, apoptosis, and cell senescence. For the non-exhaustive list of mitochondria-associated lncRNAs, we identified 18 lncRNAs in total (mitochondria-encoded lncRNAs or nuclei encoded mitochondria function associated lncRNAs) as emerging new players in cancer mitochondrial function. As lncRNAs exhibit cancer-type-specific expression patterns, they are attractive targets for selective therapeutic interventions. Manipulation of their function may thus represent a valuable strategy for future cancer treatment.