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Overexpression of Long Non-Coding RNA, LINC01748, Predicts Extracellular Matrix Remodeling in Colorectal Cancer
Erfan Golestannejad1,2, Heidar Tayebinia1, Jamshid Karimi1
1Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
Chonnam Medical Journal
|June 4, 2026
Summary
This study reveals long non-coding RNA LINC01748 regulates colorectal cancer (CRC) progression by interacting with Let-7b-5p and Collagen Triple-Helix-Repeat Containing-1 (CTHRC1). This axis impacts extracellular matrix organization and collagen content in CRC.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Oncology
- RNA Biology
- Cancer Pathogenesis
Background:
- Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a significant cause of cancer mortality.
- Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are increasingly recognized as critical regulators in cancer development.
- lncRNAs modulate microRNA functions, influencing gene expression in cancer pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of LINC01748 in colorectal cancer (CRC).
- To explore the interaction between LINC01748, Let-7b-5p, and Collagen Triple-Helix-Repeat Containing-1 (CTHRC1) in CRC.
- To elucidate the clinical significance of the LINC01748/Let-7b-5p/CTHRC1 axis in CRC.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) RNA sequencing data for differential gene expression.
- Bioinformatic prediction of lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA interactions and network construction.
- Validation of gene expression using RT-qPCR and Western blotting in CRC tissues.
- Histopathological evaluation of collagen density.
Main Results:
- Identification of 107 differentially expressed lncRNAs, 313 miRNAs, and 1,479 mRNAs in CRC.
- Bioinformatics analysis suggested LINC01748 acts as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) for Let-7b-5p, regulating CTHRC1.
- Experimental validation confirmed upregulation of LINC01748 and CTHRC1, and downregulation of Let-7b-5p in CRC tissues.
- A significant positive correlation between LINC01748 and CTHRC1, and a negative correlation between LINC01748 and Let-7b-5p were observed.
Conclusions:
- LINC01748 plays a crucial role in CRC pathogenesis through the Let-7b-5p/CTHRC1 axis.
- The LINC01748/Let-7b-5p/CTHRC1 axis is implicated in extracellular matrix organization and collagen content in CRC.
- LINC01748 holds potential clinical significance as a therapeutic target or biomarker for CRC.
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