Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common types of cancer diagnosed worldwide with high morbidity; drug resistance is often responsible for treatment failure in CRC. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) play distinct regulatory roles in tumorigenesis, cancer progression and chemoresistance. Methods: A literature search was conducted in PubMed database in order to sum up and discuss the role of exosomal ncRNAs (ex-ncRNAs) in CRC drug resistance/response and their possible mechanisms. Results: Thirty-six (36) original research articles were identified; these included exosome or extracellular vesicle (EV)-containing microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), circular RNAs (circRNAs) and small-interfering (siRNAs). No studies were found for piwi-interacting RNAs. Conclusions: Exosomal transfer of ncRNAs has been documented as a new mechanism of CRC drug resistance. Despite being in its infancy, it has emerged as a promising field for research in order to (i) discover novel biomarkers for therapy monitoring and/or (ii) reverse drug desensitization.

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The Role of Exosomal Non-Coding RNAs in Colorectal Cancer Drug Resistance

Abstract Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a prevalent malignancy of the gastrointestinal. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) act as important roles in CRC malignant progression. However, the role of circ_0039857 in CRC is still unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the function and mechanism of hsa_circ_0039857 in the CRC. Methods The mRNA and protein expression were measured via RT-qPCR. RNase R assay and Actinomycin D were employed to evaluate the stability of circ_0039857. Functional experiments, such as proliferation and apoptosis, were applied to study the function of circ_0039857 in CRC cells. The underlying mechanisms of circ_0039857 were then analyzed by bioinformatics, dual-luciferase reporter gene assay, RNA pull-down and rescue experiments. Results We revealed that circ_0039857 was significantly enhanced in CRC. Circ_0039857 was stabler than linear RNA in cells and valuable for the disease diagnosis. In addition, circ_0039857 knockdown inhibited proliferation and promoted apoptosis. Mechanistically, circ_0039857 positively regulated the expression of RAB32 via sponging miR-338-3p. Conclusion This study demonstrated that circ_0039857 knockdown suppressed CRC malignant progression through miR-338-3p/RAB32 axis. Most importantly, this will help us to better understand the circRNA network in CRC, and may find potential biomarkers and targets for CRC clinical treatment. 

/pdf/the-hsa-circ-0039857-mir-338-3p-rab32-axis-promotes-the-3tzpp6b6.pdf

The hsa_circ_0039857/miR-338-3p/RAB32 axis promotes the malignant progression of colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common types of malignant cancer worldwide and poses a significant burden on both the individual and healthcare systems. Despite advances in treatment options, advanced-stage CRC has a high mortality rate due to its heterogeneity, metastatic potential and/or delay in diagnosis. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have indicated that circular RNAs (circRNAs) serve important roles in several types of cancer, including CRC. Recent studies have revealed that circRNAs are aberrantly expressed in CRC tissues and function as oncogenic or tumor suppressive regulators of CRC carcinogenesis and development. Numerous circRNAs have been associated with the clinicopathological features of patients with CRC and have been considered as potential biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of CRC, as well as targets for treatment. However, a deeper understanding of their potential function is required. In the present review, the current body of knowledge on the biogenesis and functions of CRC-associated circRNAs, and their potential value in clinical applications, such as in CRC diagnosis, prognosis and treatment, is discussed and summarized.

/pdf/roles-of-circular-rnas-in-colorectal-cancer-1v6hov2mr0.pdf

Shubin Wang

Papers

Roles of circular RNAs in colorectal cancer.