Insights on the Biomarker Potential of Exosomal Non-Coding RNAs in Colorectal Cancer: An In Silico Characterization of Related Exosomal lncRNA/circRNA–miRNA–Target Axis

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancer types, ranking third after lung and breast cancers. As such, it demands special attention for better characterization, which may eventually result in the development of early detection strategies and preventive measures. Currently, components of bodily fluids, which may reflect various disease states, are being increasingly researched for their biomarker potential. One of these components is the circulating extracellular vesicles, namely, exosomes, which are demonstrated to carry various cargo. Of importance, the non-coding RNA cargo of circulating exosomes, especially long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), circular RNAs (circRNAs), and micro RNAs (miRNAs), may potentially serve as significant diagnostic and prognostic/predictive biomarkers. In this review, we present existing evidence on the diagnostic and prognostic/predictive biomarker value of exosomal non-coding RNAs in CRC. In addition, taking advantage of the miRNA sponging functionality of lncRNAs and circRNAs, we demonstrate an experimentally validated CRC exosomal non-coding RNA-regulated target gene axis benefiting from published miRNA sponging studies in CRC. Hence, we present a set of target genes and pathways downstream of the lncRNA/circRNA–miRNA–target axis along with associated significant Gene Ontology (GO) terms and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways, which may collectively serve to better characterize CRC and shed light on the significance of exosomal non-coding RNAs in CRC diagnosis and prognosis/prediction.

Assessing biomarkers for post‐surgical wound healing: A meta‐analysis of exosome‐based CircRNA in breast cancer recovery

“…This is consistent with the encouraging possibilities highlighted by Mezher et al, who emphasized the practicality of exosomal biomarkers in the field of oncological prognostics. 22 Similar to the methodology employed by 23. Dehghanbanadaki et al, 23 our meta-analytic approach F I G U R E 6 SROC curve of exosom-carried microRNAs for breast cancer diagnosis.…”

“…This is consistent with the encouraging possibilities highlighted by Mezher et al, who emphasized the practicality of exosomal biomarkers in the field of oncological prognostics. 22 …”

Pathogenesis and biomarkers of colorectal cancer by epigenetic alteration

“…They have a pivotal role in intracellular communication, cell signaling, tumor development and metastasis, as well as immune responses [ 128 ]. Exosomes produced by cancer cells are known to contain miRNA, and specific exosomal miRNAs offer potential as novel biomarkers for the early detection, prognosis, and treatment prediction of CRC [ 129 ]. Ogata-Kawata et al [ 130 ] identified a panel of serum exosomal miRNAs (let-7a, miR-1229, miR-1246, miR-150, miR-21, miR-223, and miR-23a) as promising biomarkers for CRC detection.…”

Long Non-Coding RNAs in Colorectal Cancer: Navigating the Intersections of Immunity, Intercellular Communication, and Therapeutic Potential

“…The lncRNA SP100-AS1, identified as pivotal in CRC radioresistance and upregulated in radioresistant CRC tissues, interacts with ATG3 protein and sponges miR-622, affecting autophagic activity and possibly contributing to radioresistance. The SP100-AS1/miR-622/ATG3 axis might be targeted to enhance the efficacy of radiation therapy in CRC, signifying its importance in controlling radioresistant tumor cells [ 151 ]. Further investigations into additional RNA networks involved in radioresistance may provide more insights into regulating treatment responses in cancer.…”