مقالات پذیرفته شده در نهمین کنگره بین المللی زیست پزشکی
Uncovering lncRNA-Mediated Regulatory Networks in Colorectal Cancer: An Integrative Bioinformatics and Experimental Approach
Uncovering lncRNA-Mediated Regulatory Networks in Colorectal Cancer: An Integrative Bioinformatics and Experimental Approach
Mahtab Zargarmoradi,1Taraneh Givi,2Abolfazl Abdollahi,3Tabasom Hasannia,4Majid Sadeghizadeh,5,*
1. Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Islamic Azad University Science and Research Branch. 2. Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran 3. Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran 4. Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran 5. Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
Introduction: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as key regulators of gene expression and cellular signaling, influencing cancer initiation, progression, and therapy response. In colorectal cancer (CRC), accumulating evidence indicates that lncRNAs orchestrate complex regulatory networks, modulating the expression of protein-coding genes and interacting with microRNAs, transcription factors, and chromatin modifiers. Understanding these lncRNA-mediated networks is essential for identifying novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets in CRC. This review aims to summarize current knowledge on lncRNA regulatory networks in CRC, with emphasis on bioinformatics insights and experimental validation strategies.
Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus for studies published between 2010 and 2025. Keywords included “lncRNA,” “colorectal cancer,” “regulatory networks,” “bioinformatics,” “RNA-Seq,” and “experimental validation.” Articles were screened for relevance, and full texts were reviewed. Both computational and experimental studies were included, focusing on mechanistic insights into lncRNA–gene regulatory interactions, co-expression modules, and potential clinical applications. Data were synthesized thematically to highlight network reconstruction, functional characterization, and translational implications.
Results: The literature demonstrates that lncRNAs contribute to CRC progression through multiple regulatory mechanisms. Co-expression analyses reveal modules linking lncRNAs with protein-coding genes involved in cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and metastasis. lncRNAs often function as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs), sponging microRNAs to regulate target gene expression. Experimental studies, including qRT-PCR validation and functional assays in CRC cell lines, confirm the regulatory roles of several lncRNAs identified via bioinformatics pipelines. Integrative approaches combining RNA-Seq data, network analysis, and pathway enrichment provide insights into stress response pathways, signaling cascades, and potential intervention points. These findings underscore the translational potential of lncRNA networks as prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets in CRC.
Conclusion: lncRNA-mediated regulatory networks represent a critical layer of gene regulation in colorectal cancer. Integrating bioinformatics analyses with experimental validation elucidates their functional roles and identifies novel candidates for clinical applications. Understanding these networks enhances our knowledge of CRC biology and paves the way for the development of precision medicine strategies, including biomarker discovery and targeted therapies.