Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a class of non-coding RNAs that play an essential role in various cellular activities, such as differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis. Dysregulation of lncRNAs serves a fundamental role in the progression and initiation of various diseases, including cancer. Precision medicine is a suitable and optimal treatment method for cancer so that based on each patient’s genetic content, a specific treatment or drug is prescribed. The rapid advancement of science and technology in recent years has led to many successes in this particular treatment. Phytochemicals are a group of natural compounds extracted from fruits, vegetables, and plants. Through the downregulation of oncogenic lncRNAs or upregulation of tumor suppressor lncRNAs, these bioactive compounds can inhibit metastasis, proliferation, invasion, migration, and cancer cells. These natural products can be a novel and alternative strategy for cancer treatment and improve tumor cells’ sensitivity to standard adjuvant therapies. This review will discuss the antineoplastic effects of bioactive plant secondary metabolites (phytochemicals) via regulation of expression of lncRNAs in various human cancers and their potential for the treatment and prevention of human cancers.

Cancer immunotherapy is a promising approach for treating malignancies through the activation of anti-tumor immunity. However, the effectiveness and safety of immunotherapy can be limited by tumor complexity and heterogeneity, caused by the diverse molecular and cellular features of tumors and their microenvironments. Undifferentiated tumor cell niches, which we refer to as the “Origin of Tumor Development” (OTD) cellular population, are believed to be the source of these variations and cellular heterogeneity. From our perspective, the existence of distinct features within the OTD is expected to play a significant role in shaping the unique tumor characteristics observed in each patient. Single-cell transcriptomics is a high-resolution and high-throughput technique that provides insights into the genetic signatures of individual tumor cells, revealing mechanisms of tumor development, progression, and immune evasion. In this review, we explain how single-cell transcriptomics can be used to develop personalized cancer immunotherapy by identifying potential biomarkers and targets specific to each patient, such as immune checkpoint and tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte function, for targeting the OTD. Furthermore, in addition to offering a possible workflow, we discuss the future directions of, and perspectives on, single-cell transcriptomics, such as the development of powerful analytical tools and databases, that will aid in unlocking personalized cancer immunotherapy through the targeting of the patient’s cellular OTD.

Transition is an essential mechanism that drives the development of distinct cellular phenotypes and tumorigenesis. The expression of various types of testis cancer antigens (TCAs) in breast carcinomas suggests a potential transition to male germ cell features within the tumor. This study explores the cellular populations in breast cancer that express genes associated with male germ cell development. We re-analyzed published datasets to identify the germline-associated genes in breast tumors. We then experimentally validated the expression of the identified genes in 28 breast tissue tumor samples using a quantitative RT-PCR. Based on available datasets, we also performed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to analyze the tumor heterogeneity and cellular clustering. A total of 455 overexpressed genes were identified that were related to fetal primordial germ cells (PGCs), particularly those in the male gonad. Our examinations showed a significant overexpression of five genes (CCNB1, CCNB2, PTTG1, RACGAP1, and UBE2C) in the tumor samples. The scRNA-seq analysis revealed 14 distinct cell clusters, characterized by different gene expression signatures and cell cycle phases. The breast tumor stromal cells were suggested as the main source of the germline-associated genes. This study provides insights into the molecular mechanisms and pathways involved in germ cell transition in breast carcinoma.