Cancer-associated nucleic acids

Cancer-associated nucleic acids comprise altered or aberrantly regulated DNA and RNA molecules—such as mutated oncogenes, silenced tumor suppressor genes, abnormal methylation patterns, noncoding RNAs, and cell-free nucleic acid fragments—identified in cancer cells and, sometimes, in bodily fluids. These molecules influence **cancer initiation**, **progression**, and **metastasis** by modifying gene expression, epigenetic regulation, apoptosis, proliferation, and the tumor microenvironment[4][2][6]. They serve as **biomarkers** for cancer detection (e.g., ctDNA, cell-free RNA) and as **therapeutic targets** (e.g., targeting oncogenic RNAs, DNA modifications with drugs). However, "cancer-associated nucleic acids" is not a specific therapeutic target (like a receptor or an enzyme) but a molecular class or functional category, encompassing various disease-related molecular entities rather than one canonical target[4][2][6]. Thus, this term is likely incorrect for structured target databases requiring discrete molecules or receptors.

Other names

Cancer-specific nucleic acidsCirculating cancer DNA (ctDNA)Cancer-associated RNACancer-associated noncoding RNACancer-associated cell-free nucleic acidsOncogenic nucleic acids

Inhibition of gene expression; Disruption of oncogenic RNA/DNA structures; Restoration of tumor suppressor gene/protein function; Promotion or inhibition of apoptosis via nucleic acid binding or cleavage; Epigenetic reprogramming