Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics 2024, Vol.12, No.6, 358-367 http://medscipublisher.com/index.php/cge 364 (Fang et al., 2017). Similarly, combining inhibitors of lncRNA MALAT1 and miR-129-5p can synergistically inhibit the HMGB1-mediated oncogenic pathway in colon cancer (Wu et al., 2018). Such combination therapies hold promise for more effective and comprehensive cancer treatment. 6.4 Challenges and future directions in therapeutic development Despite the potential of lncRNA and miRNA-based therapies, several challenges remain. These include the specificity of targeting, potential off-target effects, and efficient delivery to tumor sites. Additionally, the complex regulatory networks involving lncRNAs and miRNAs necessitate a deeper understanding of their interactions and functions in cancer. Future research should focus on developing more precise targeting strategies, improving delivery systems, and conducting clinical trials to evaluate the safety and efficacy of these therapies. Advances in bioinformatics and high-throughput screening technologies will also aid in identifying novel therapeutic targets and optimizing treatment regimens (Dai et al., 2019; Ratti et al., 2020; Khan et al., 2021). By addressing these challenges, lncRNA and miRNA-based therapies have the potential to revolutionize colon cancer treatment and improve patient outcomes. 7 Emerging Technologies and Future Research 7.1 Single-cell RNA sequencing Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has revolutionized our understanding of cellular heterogeneity within tumors, including colorectal cancer (CRC). This technology allows for the dissection of complex tumor microenvironments by profiling gene expression at the single-cell level. Recent studies have utilized scRNA-seq to identify distinct cell populations and their roles in CRC progression. For instance, scRNA-seq can reveal the specific lncRNA and miRNA expression patterns in different cell types within the tumor, providing insights into their regulatory roles and potential as therapeutic targets (Si et al., 2021; Wang et al., 2021). The ability to analyze individual cells helps in understanding the intricate interactions between cancer cells and the surrounding stromal and immune cells, which is crucial for developing targeted therapies. 7.2 CRISPR/Cas9 for functional genomics The CRISPR/Cas9 system has emerged as a powerful tool for functional genomics, enabling precise gene editing to study the roles of specific genes in cancer. In CRC research, CRISPR/Cas9 has been employed to knock out or modify lncRNAs and miRNAs to elucidate their functions in tumorigenesis. For example, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockdown of lncRNA ZNF561-AS1 demonstrated its essential role in CRC proliferation and survival through the miR-26a-3p/miR-128-5p-SRSF6 axis (Si et al., 2021). Similarly, targeting lncRNA PVT1 using CRISPR/Cas9 revealed its involvement in colon cancer proliferation and migration via the Wnt6/ β -catenin2 pathway (Yu et al., 2022). These studies highlight the potential of CRISPR/Cas9 in identifying and validating novel therapeutic targets in CRC. 7.3 Bioinformatics and computational approaches Bioinformatics and computational approaches are indispensable in the analysis of large-scale genomic data generated from high-throughput technologies. These methods facilitate the identification of lncRNA and miRNA interactions, regulatory networks, and their functional implications in CRC. For instance, bioinformatics tools have been used to predict the interactions between lncRNAs and miRNAs, such as the TTN-AS1/miR-376a-3p/KLF15 axis in CRC (Wang et al., 2020). Additionally, computational models can integrate multi-omics data to provide a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms driving CRC progression. The development of advanced algorithms and machine learning techniques will further enhance our ability to predict and validate the roles of lncRNAs and miRNAs in CRC. 7.4 Integrative omics in lncRNA and miRNA research Integrative omics approaches, combining genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, offer a holistic view of the molecular landscape of CRC. These approaches enable the identification of key regulatory molecules and pathways involved in cancer progression. For example, integrative analysis of lncRNA and miRNA expression profiles has revealed the SNHG17/miR-375/CBX3 axis as a critical regulator of colon adenocarcinoma progression (Liu et al., 2020). By integrating data from various omics layers, researchers can uncover novel
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