Molecular mechanisms underlying roles of long non-coding RNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 16 in digestive system cancers.

This editorial reviews the molecular mechanisms underlying the roles of the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) small nucleolar RNA host gene 16 () in digestive system cancers based on two recent studies on lncRNAs in digestive system tumors. The first study, by Zhao , explored how hBD-1 affects colon cancer, the lncRNA , by inhibiting mTOR and promoting autophagy. The second one, by Li , identified the lncRNA prion protein testis specific () as a factor in oxaliplatin resistance by sponging ZNF184 to regulate HIPK2 and influence colorectal cancer progression and chemoresistance, suggesting as a potential therapeutic target for colorectal cancer. Both of these two articles discuss the mechanisms by which lncRNAs contribute to the development and progression of digestive system cancers. As a recent research hotspot, is a typical lncRNA that has been extensively studied for its association with digestive system cancers. The prevailing hypothesis is that participates in the development and progression of digestive system tumors by acting as a competing endogenous RNA, interacting with other proteins, regulating various genes, and affecting downstream target molecules. This review systematically examines the recently reported biological functions, related molecular mechanisms, and potential clinical significance of in various digestive system cancers, and explores the relationship between and digestive system cancers. The findings suggest that may serve as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for human digestive system cancers.