Research progress review on long non-coding RNA in colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies globally, and the morbidity and mortality rates associated with it are among the highest around the world. Not even great advances in colorectal cancer diagnosis and treatment technologies have been able to increase the 5-year survival rate in this disease. Recidivation and metastasis are the main causes of death in CRC, although the underlying mechanism remains unknown. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) is a type of non-coding RNA that is greater than 200 nt in length. LncRNAs are involved in cell proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis, and differentiation. Abnormal expression of lncRNAs is reported in various diseases. Relevant studies have demonstrated that lncRNAs are capable of interacting with DNAs, RNAs, and proteins, thereby regulating the Wnt, p53, and other signaling pathways and playing an important role in the biogenesis, progression, metastasis, and drug resistance in CRC. In the present report, recent progress in the research related to lncRNAs in colorectal cancer is reviewed.