LncRNA DSCAM-AS1: A Pivotal Therapeutic Target in Cancer

Background: LncRNAs are an emerging category of non-coding RNAs. LncRNAs are usually greater than 200 nucleotides in length and do not possess protein editing capabilities. DSCAM-AS1 is a highly valued member of the lncRNAs family. Numerous studies have revealed the involvement of the oncogene DSCAM-AS1 in multiple biological processes, including metastasis, aggressiveness and cell proliferation. This review discusses the molecular mechanisms and clinical significance of DSCAM-AS1 in various tumor types. Methods: This paper analyzes and summarizes current research by searching PubMed using “DSCAM-AS1” and “tumor” as keywords. Results: DSCAM-AS1 is a valuable tumor-associated lncRNA with significant oncogenic effects. It is abnormally expressed in a variety of cancers, such as non-small cell lung cancer, cervical cancer, osteosarcoma, colorectal cancer, breast cancer, gastric cancer and endometrial cancer. The overexpression of DSCAM-AS1 promotes cancer progression by modulating cancer cell proliferation, invasion, distant metastasis, and resistance. Conclusion: DSCAM-AS1 is upregulated and acts as an oncogene in multiple tumors. As more systematic studies are performed, DSCAM-AS1 may prove to be a promising therapeutic target or tumor biomarker.