Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a universal health challenge worldwide. It attracted a lot of extensive research efforts to discover its molecular mechanisms and to find new prognostic markers and therapeutic targets. CRC influenced by various genetic and molecular factors, including the expression of different types of RNAs. Of these, the long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) which have recently become a key family of genes. LncRNA can mediate many cellular processes of tumorigenesis, progression and metastasis of CRC. Their expression was related to CRC patient outcomes which made them helpful biomarkers.
Recently, the idea of competitive endogenous RNA (CeRNA) networks was proposed. In these networks, lncRNAs interacte with microRNAs (miRNAs) in a competitive manner to control some protein coding genes expression. Like many cancers, this idea was validated in CRC. These networks included lncRNAs-miRNAs-target mRNAs axes. Although these networks are complicated, they offer possible ways to intervene diagnostically and therapeutically.
This review concludes insightful information addressing a list of the lncRNA-based networks and describe how they affect CRC biology and development. Understanding these networks may identify new theranostic targets which may enhance CRC patient management.
Moreover, the gate is still open for further investigation into the molecular mechanisms underlying lncRNA-mediated regulation in CRC. New tactics might be available by focusing on dysregulated lncRNAs or their downstream effectors. In CRC, these tactics may enhance patient survival and clinical results.
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