The Role of lncRNA <i>FEZF1-AS1</i> in Colorectal Cancer Progression Via the <i>P53</i> Signaling Pathway

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as critical regulators in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). Previous studies indicate that lncRNA <i>FEZF1-AS1</i> is highly expressed in CRC, but its role in modulating CRC via the <i>P53</i> signaling pathway remains unclear. In this study, we found that <i>FEZF1-AS1</i> promotes the growth of the CRC cell line (HCT116) and drives epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) through the <i>P53</i> signaling pathway. Our data showed that <i>FEZF1-AS1</i> expression is significantly upregulated in HCT116, and elevated levels of <i>FEZF1-AS1</i> are associated with poor prognosis in patients with CRC. In addition, the knockdown of <i>FEZF1-AS1</i> markedly inhibited the proliferation of HCT116 by inducing cell cycle arrest. Knockdown of <i>FEZF1-AS1</i> depletion also led to apoptosis in CRC cells by suppressing the <i>P53</i> signaling pathway and EMT, thereby reducing their viability, proliferation, migration, and invasion. In summary, this study confirmed that <i>FEZF1-AS1</i> regulates the growth of junction HCT116 through <i>P53</i> signaling pathway and inhibiting EMT, providing new insights for the potential therapeutic strategies against CRC.