Elucidating the Molecular Pathways of Long Noncoding RNA C6orf223 in Colorectal Cancer via microRNA Interactions and Transcriptomic Profiling

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality, with high-risk cases showing increased aggressiveness and poor prognosis. Recent studies suggest that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) such as C6orf223 may play crucial roles in CRC progression. This study investigated the expression and regulatory role of C6orf223 in high-risk versus low-risk CRC patients, focusing on its potential as a biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis. We conducted differential expression analysis using RNA-seq data to identify key genes in high-risk CRC, followed by correlation and pathway enrichment analyses to understand C6orf223. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves assessed the prognostic and diagnostic potential of C6orf223. RNA methylation and mutation patterns were analyzed to explore post-transcriptional regulation and genetic alterations in high-risk CRC. C6orf223 was significantly upregulated in high-risk CRC. High C6orf223 expression was associated with poor overall survival, and a biomarker panel that includes C6orf223 and microRNAs showed strong potential for accurate diagnosis. Methylation and mutation analyses revealed potential mechanisms enhancing C6orf223's stability and oncogenic activity. Our findings indicate that C6orf223 acts as a binder to and inhibits tumor-suppressive microRNAs, reducing their availability to regulate cancer-promoting genes and may serve as a valuable biomarker for CRC diagnosis and prognosis. Further research on lncRNA-microRNA interactions could provide insights for novel CRC therapies.