Long noncoding RNAs: Novel players in colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most common type of cancer in the world. Despite its commonness, the underlying mechanism of CRC is not completely understood. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have received increased attention with the development of whole genome and transcriptome sequencing technologies. Recent findings reveal that lncRNAs are implicated in serial steps of cancer development. These lncRNAs interact with DNA, RNA, protein molecules and/or their combinations, acting as an essential regulator in chromatin organization, and transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation. In this review, we highlight recent findings of emerging roles for lncRNAs in CRC and discuss rapid translational lncRNA research for clinical application in diagnosis, prognosis and potential treatment.