LncRNAs: Potential Novel Prognostic and Diagnostic Biomarkers in Colorectal Cancer

摘要

Background: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), a type of regulatory RNAs, play a keyrole in numerous cellular pathways. Ectopic expression of this group of non-coding RNAs has beenspecified to be involved in numerous diseases. Moreover, the role of lncRNAs in the initiation anddevelopment of cancers including colorectal cancer (CRC) has been acknowledged.Objective: In the present review, the role of lncRNAs as prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers inCRC as well as the molecular mechanisms of their contribution to development of CRC has beenaddressed.Results: The presented studies have indicated the ectopic expression of various lncRNAs in CRC.Some lncRNAs which were considered as tumor suppressors were downregulated in the colorectalcancerous tissues compared with healthy controls; however, some with oncogenic effects wereupregulated. LncRNAs contribute to tumor development via various molecular mechanisms such asepigenetically controlling the expression of target genes, interacting with miRNAs as their sponge,etc.Conclusion: LncRNAs that have been recognized as prognostic biomarkers may pave the way forclinical management to offer adjuvant treatments for patients with CRC.