Jiaxian Ong
1 
, Sharanya K Sritharan
1, Amar Harris Arifin
2, Baskaran Gunasekaran
3*, Rhun Yian Koh
1, Nurulamin Abu Bakar
4, Shamala Salvamani
1* 1 Division of Applied Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnology, School of Health Sciences, IMU University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
2 Centre for Postgraduate Studies, IMU University, IMU University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
3 Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
4 Centre for Diagnostics, Therapeutic and Investigative Studies (CODTIS), Faculty of Health Sciences, National University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide, particularly affecting developed countries. Many pathways and mechanisms have been implicated in the development of CRC, and one of the targets of interest is the long non-coding ribonucleic acid (lncRNA), growth arrest specific 5 (GAS5). GAS5 has been observed to play an important role in many other cancers, and CRC is not an exception. This paper aims to understand the role and mechanisms played by GAS5 in relation to CRC progression. GAS5 has a complex role, with one of its major functions being its competitive endogenous nature that can downregulate multiple microRNAs such as miR-485-5p, miR-137, miR-26b, miR-21, miR-34a, miR-182-5p, miR-128-3p, and miR-221, which have implications in tumour growth and suppression. It is also observed to interact with proteins directly, such as the Yes-Associated Protein (YAP). Both clinical and laboratory evidence support the fact that in the context of CRC, GAS5 overexpression is a protective factor, while its underexpression is related to poorer prognosis and reduced survival. This has opened up its potential as a prognostic biomarker, as well as a therapeutic target to treat multiple cancers, including CRC. However, more research is still required to address existing knowledge gaps. In conclusion, GAS5 plays multiple roles and is an important player in cancer regulation, including CRC, and it holds good potential to be a biomarker and a therapeutic target.