RNA: Coding, or non-coding, that is the question

The review article discusses the evolving understanding of coding and non-coding genes in the human genome, highlighting the significant presence of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) that outnumber traditional protein-coding genes. High-throughput sequencing has revealed that a large portion of the genome is transcribed into ncRNAs, which play crucial roles in regulating gene expression and are implicated in various diseases, including cancer. The authors argue that the binary classification of genes as coding or non-coding is outdated, as many genes can produce both types of products. They explore the functional relevance of these bifunctional genes and the complexities of their expression, which can lead to both concordant and discordant biological outcomes. The review also addresses the methodological challenges in studying these genes and the potential for therapeutic applications, particularly in cancer treatment. The article emphasizes the importance of understanding the diverse roles of ncRNAs, including their classification into housekeeping and regulatory types, and their involvement in essential cellular processes. Furthermore, it discusses the emerging concept of competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs), which can influence miRNA activity and gene expression. The review concludes by noting that while much remains to be discovered about lncRNAs and their functions, they hold promise as diagnostic and therapeutic targets in oncology, underscoring the need for continued research in this area.