MEG8: An Indispensable Long Non-coding RNA in Multiple Cancers

Background: As a member of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), maternally expressed gene 8 (MEG8) has been found involving in the progression of a variety of cancers and playing a regulatory role. Therefore, MEG8 may turn into a new therapeutic target for cancer in the future. The purpose of this review is to illustrate the molecular mechanism and physiological function of MEG8 in various cancers. Methods: We retrieved and analyzed related articles about MEG8, lncRNAs, and cancers, and then summarize the pathophysiological mechanisms of MEG8 in cancer development. Results: LncRNA MEG8 participates in various cancers progression, thus influencing the proliferation, migration, and invasion of cancers. However, the expression of MEG8 is abnormally upregulated in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), pancreatic cancer (PC), liver cancer (HCC), pituitary adenoma (PA) and hemangioma (HA), and inhibited in colorectal cancer (CRC), ovarian cancer (OC) and giant cell tumor (GCT), suggesting its clinical value in cancer therapy. Conclusions: LncRNA MEG8 is expected to be a new therapeutic target or biomarker for a wide range of cancers in the future.