FER1L4: A Long Non-coding RNA with Multiple Roles in the Occurrence and Development of Tumors

Background: FER-1 family member 4 (FER1L4), a 6.7 kb lncRNA located at 20q11.22, plays an important biological function in a variety of tumor diseases. The purpose of this review is to clarify the pathophysiological mechanism and potential biological function of FER1L4 in different tumors. Methods: By searching the relevant literature in PubMed, the specific pathophysiological mechanism of FER1L4 in different tumors was summarized. Results: LncRNA FER1L4 is one of the key factors in tumorigenesis and is abnormally down-regulated in many tumors, including osteosarcoma, lung cancer, laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma, laryngeal cancer, colorectal cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, endometrial cancer, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and so on. However, FER1L4 is downregulated in breast cancer, glioma, oral squamous cell carcinoma, renal clear cell carcinoma, and periodontitis, and plays a protective role in orthodontic teeth. In addition, as a tumor suppressor gene or oncogene, FER1L4 affects tumor proliferation, invasion, migration, and apoptosis. Conclusion: LncRNA FER1L4 has a good application prospect in the treatment and diagnosis of various tumors.