Long non-coding RNAs promote colorectal cancer development through other epigenetic modifications

Colorectal cancer is one of the most prevalent malignant tumors worldwide, and it has one of the highest rates of mortality and morbidity. Its emergence and progression are intricately linked to various genetic and epigenetic factors influencing colonic epithelial cells. Long non-coding RNAs function as crucial regulators of the epigenetic landscape, playing significant roles in the development, progression, invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance of various tumors, particularly colorectal cancer. Epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation, RNA methylation, and histone modification, facilitate heritable gene expression regulation without changing the underlying DNA sequence. Recent studies have increasingly highlighted the intricate interactions between lncRNAs and these epigenetic modifications in colorectal cancer, illuminating their participation in critical processes, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and metastasis. This review concentrates on the relationship between long non-coding RNAs and several significant epigenetic modifications that drive colorectal cancer development, offering fresh insights for future research that aims at devising more effective treatment strategies.