Abstract
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are critical in tumorigenesis and show potential for tumor diagnosis and therapy. Enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis (ETBF), known for producing enterotoxins, is implicated in human gut tumorigenesis, yet the underlying mechanisms are not fully elucidated. This study aims to clarify the molecular mechanisms by which lncRNAs contribute to ETBF-induced tumorigenesis, with a focus on LRP11-AS1's role in modulating ETBF's colorectal carcinogenesis. We found a marked increase in LRP11-AS1 expression in colorectal cancer (CRC) tissues compared to adjacent non-tumorous tissues. In vitro, CRC cells exposed to ETBF showed elevated LRP11-AS1 levels. Mechanistically, LRP11-AS1 was shown to enhance CDK4 expression by competitively binding to miR-149-3p. These results indicate that LRP11-AS1 may facilitate ETBF-related carcinogenesis in CRC and could serve as a therapeutic target and diagnostic biomarker for ETBF-associated CRC.