No abstract

Introduction lncRNAs are strands larger than 200 nucleotides that do not encode proteins. They have regulatory functions in cell proliferation, apoptosis and migration. They are stable over a long period and may have diagnostic value in colorectal cancer (CRC). Their availability as effective biomarkers for CRC screening would represent a substantial advance, as tests could be performed with minimal risk and wide acceptance. The aim of this study is to evaluate selected lncRNAs in plasma as potential diagnostic biomarkers in CRC. Methods Prospective cohort study between patients operated on for CRC (cases) and healthy patients (controls). Blood samples were processed in the biobank to obtain plasma by centrifugation. Subsequently, the levels of three CRC-related lncRNAs (HOTAIR, CCAT2 and PVT1) were determined in the laboratory of the Electroanalysis Group of the University of Oviedo (GEUO). Results In the initial results, an overexpression of the three genes (HOTAIR, CCAT2 and PVT1) was observed in CRC patients, with HOTAIR being the one that best differentiates between CRC and healthy patients. In addition, the combined determination of the three lncRNAs could obtain better results than the individual determination of each of them. Conclusions The lncRNAs studied are overexpressed in the CRC patient sample. The sample size needs to be increased to confirm this trend. It is logical to postulate that molecular technologies will lead to the development of better screening modalities and individualised treatments.