Noncoding RNAs in Metabolic Reprogramming of Breast Cancer: Dietary Opportunities and Translational Implications.

Breast cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related death among women worldwide, characterized by significant molecular and metabolic heterogeneity. Metabolic reprogramming has been shown to enable tumor cells to adapt to the dynamic microenvironment, supporting uncontrolled proliferation and survival. Emerging evidence highlights the critical roles of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs, long noncoding RNAs, and circular RNAs, in coordinating the complex regulatory networks underlying metabolic reprogramming in breast cancer. These ncRNAs influence key metabolic pathways such as glycolysis, lipid metabolism, and amino acid metabolism by targeting transcription factors, enzymes, and signaling cascades. Evidence suggests that targeting dysregulated ncRNAs holds significant potential for modulating cancer cell metabolism and offers novel strategies for breast cancer management. Furthermore, bioactive compounds derived from dietary sources have demonstrated the ability to modulate ncRNA expression and function, presenting exciting prospects for dietary or nutritional interventions in breast cancer therapy. This chapter compiles the intricate relationship between ncRNAs and metabolic reprogramming in breast cancer, with a focus on innovative techniques to target ncRNAs and the potential of dietary strategies to influence these regulatory pathways.