Center Molecular Mechanisms of Non-coding RNAs and RNA Modifications in Colorectal Cancer

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a malignant tumor that occurs in the mucosal epithelial cells of the colon or rectum, with high mortality and morbidity. Therefore, the study of its molecular principle is more important. In recent years, more attention has been paid to the regulation of CRC by epigenetic factors, especially the regulation of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) and RNA modifications. ncRNAs include miRNA, circRNA, and lncRNA. Among them, miRNAs regulate MAPKs, Wnt, and TGF-β signaling pathways and are involved in the tumor process. CircRNAs, as regulators of gene expression, can participate in various biological processes. lncRNA interacts with DNA, RNA, and proteins to regulate signaling pathways in various ways, potentially acting as biomarkers in non-invasive examinations. RNA modifications, especially N6-methyladenosine (m6A), affect CRC development. m6A consists of three proteins, writers, erasers, and readers, which maintain the stability of RNA modifications. Different levels of expression of these three proteins in CRC can lead to changes in the tumor microenvironment, gene expression, and other factors, and thus play an important role in CRC. ncRNAs and RNA modifications comprise the CRC epigenetic regulatory network, providing a new direction for the diagnosis and treatment of CRC in the future.