The transcribed ultraconserved regions: emerging players in colorectal cancer biology and therapy

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most prevalent malignant neoplasms worldwide, characterized by a high incidence of recurrence and metastasis, which substantially diminishes patient survival rates. This underscores the urgent need to identify novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Transcribed ultraconserved regions (T-UCRs), a category of non-coding RNAs with significant evolutionary conservation, are crucial to various biological processes. Recent studies have shown that T-UCRs play a pivotal role in tumorigenesis and tumor progression. A growing body of evidence indicates that T-UCRs significantly influence CRC development by modulating critical mechanisms, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and metastasis. This review systematically explores the functions of T-UCRs in tumorigenesis, focusing on their regulatory roles, underlying molecular mechanisms, and potential clinical applications in CRC.