Open Access

REVIEW

The regulatory role of ZFAS1/miRNAs/mRNAs axis in cancer: a systematic review

RAHUL KUMAR SINGH^1,#, SUROJIT MANDAL^1,#, ADRIJA MOHANTA¹, RITU YADAV¹, RAJIV RANJAN KUMAR¹, RINKU KHATKAR¹, VIVEK UTTAM¹, UTTAM SHARMA¹, MANJIT KAUR RANA², MANJU JAIN³, HARDEEP SINGH TULI⁴, AKLANK JAIN^1,*

1 Non-Coding RNA and Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Central University of Punjab, Ghudda, Bathinda, 151401, India
2 Department of Pathology/Lab Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bathinda, 151001, India
3 Department of Biochemistry, Central University of Punjab, Ghudda, Bathinda, 151401, India
4 Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala, 133207, India

* Corresponding Author: AKLANK JAIN. Email:
# These authors contributed equally to this work

Oncology Research 2025, 33(3), 591-604. https://doi.org/10.32604/or.2024.050548

Received 09 February 2024; Accepted 16 May 2024; Issue published 28 February 2025

Abstract

Objectives: Recently, we and others have demonstrated the involvement of Zinc Finger Antisense 1 (ZFAS1) in cancer development. However, the intricate interplay of ZFAS1 with miRNAs and mRNAs remains to be fully understood. Materials and methods: We followed PRISMA guidelines to retrieve and assess the available literature on the topic “ZFAS1/miRNA/mRNA axis” and “Cancer” from databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect. We also used bioinformatic webtools for analyzing the potential miRNA targets of ZFAS1 and its role in survival of cancer patients along with their role in various biological functions and pathways. Results: Our literature search and bioinformatic analysis reveals that ZFAS1 serves as a sponge for numerous miRNAs. Among the various targeted miRNAs, miR-150-5p stands out as significantly correlated with ZFAS1 across multiple databases (p-value = 3.27e−16, R-value = −0.346). Additionally, our Kaplan-Meier survival analysis indicates a noteworthy association between ZFAS1 expression levels and overall poor prognosis and survival rates in ovarian, sarcoma, and pancreatic cancers. We also underscore the involvement of various signaling pathways, including Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3), Spindle and Kinetochore-associated Protein 1 (SKA1), Lysophosphatidic acid receptor 1 (LPAR1), and Wnt β-catenin, in cancer development through the ZFAS1/miRNAs/mRNAs axis. Furthermore, we identify ZFAS1’s pivotal roles in diverse molecular processes, such as RNA binding and ribonucleoprotein formation. Conclusion: In conclusion, this review comprehensively summarizes the latest advancements in understanding the regulatory relationships among ZFAS1, miRNAs, and mRNAs, emphasizing their collective role in cancer development to propose innovative avenues for cancer treatment. We believe that the intricate relationship among the ZFAS1-miRNA-mRNA axis may yield potential therapeutic targets for effective cancer management.

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Supplementary Material

Supplementary Material File

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