LncRNA ARST is a Novel Prognostic and Diagnostic Biomarker for Colorectal Cancer

BACKGROUND: ALDOA-related specific transcript (ARST) is a recently identified long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) that suppresses glioma progression, while its role in other cancers is unclear. This study explored the role of ARST in colorectal cancer (CRC). METHODS: The present study included 60 CRC patients, 60 patients with colon polyps (CP), 60 colitis patients, 60 hemorrhoid patients and 60 healthy controls. All participants were subjected to the collection of plasma, and paired CRC and non-tumor tissues were collected from CRC patients. All samples were subjected to RNA isolation and RT-qPCR to detect the expression of ARST. ROC curve and survival curve analysis were performed to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic values of plasma ARST for CRC. RESULTS: The expression levels of ARST were lower in CRC plasma samples compared to that in the patient groups and controls (p < 0.01), while other patient groups and controls showed no significant difference. The expression levels of ARST were also lower in CRC tissues compared to that in non-tumor tissues (p < 0.01). Plasma expression levels of ARST effectively distinguished CRC patients from other patients and controls. The expression levels of ARST were closely correlated with patients’ survival. Chi-squared test analysis showed that ARST was closely associated with patients’ distant metastasis but not tumor size. CONCLUSION: ARST is downregulated in CRC, and it might be applied in the diagnosis and prognosis of CRC.