Emerging role of long non‑coding RNAs in the Rho/ROCK signaling pathway in tumor metastasis (Review)

Metastasis is a critical feature of malignant tumors and a major cause of treatment failure and poor prognosis. This complex process primarily involves the rearrangement of the cytoskeleton. Among several cytoskeleton‑associated signaling pathways, the ras homolog family (Rho) and Rho‑associated coiled‑coil containing protein kinase (ROCK) signaling pathway serves a key role in cytoskeleton regulation as it controls intracellular actin dynamics and cytoskeletal remodeling to mediate cell movement. Long non‑coding RNAs (lncRNAs), known to serve important roles in tumorigenesis and metastasis, have been shown to regulate the Rho/ROCK pathway. lncRNAs modulate the Rho/ROCK pathway by sponging microRNAs or directly binding to proteins, thereby mediating tumor metastasis. Additionally, lncRNAs can be encapsulated in exosomes and transferred from donor cells to recipient cells, where they regulate components of the Rho/ROCK signaling pathway and further promote the metastatic potential. Based on their functional significance, Rho/ROCK signaling pathway‑associated lncRNAs may serve as novel tumor biomarkers and therapeutic targets. The present review summarizes the role and mechanism of Rho/ROCK signaling pathway‑associated lncRNAs in tumor metastasis, which may offer novel avenues for the diagnosis and treatment of metastatic cancer.