Regulation mechanism of long noncoding RNAs in colon cancer development and progression

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide, and its high rates of relapse and metastasis are associated with a poor prognosis. Despite extensive research, the underlying regulatory mechanisms of CRC remain unclear. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a major type of noncoding RNAs that have received increasing attention in the past few years, and studies have shown that they play a role in many biological processes in CRC. Here, we summarize recent studies on lncRNAs associated with CRC and the signaling pathways and mechanisms underlying this association. We show that dysregulated lncRNAs may be new prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers or therapeutic targets for clinical application. This review contributes not only to our understanding of CRC, but also suggests novel signaling pathways associated with lncRNAs that can be targeted to block or eradicate CRC.