NEAT1 in Ovarian Cancer: A Key Regulator of Tumor Progression, Follicular Fluid Dynamics, and Therapeutic Resistance
Nuclear enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1), a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), is a critical player in the pathogenesis and progression of ovarian cancer. Its abnormal expression in patients' follicular fluid (FF), granulosa cells, and oocytes has been linked to key processes such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, nuclear maturation, and follicle development. NEAT1's regulation of oocyte maturation and its influence on tumor dynamics and cellular communication within the FF is well-established. In the ovarian tumor microenvironment, NEAT1 contributes to cellular proliferation, invasion, chemoresistance, and apoptosis. Moreover, its dysregulation correlates with poor prognosis and increased tumor aggressiveness, underscoring its potential as a therapeutic target. The interaction of NEAT1 with miRNAs and signaling pathways further highlights its significant role in ovarian cancer progression and its potential as a biomarker. This review explores NEAT1's contributions to ovarian cancer progression, its influence within the follicular fluid microenvironment, and its therapeutic potential as a target to combat ovarian cancer development and drug resistance.