Digital illustration of cancer cells with the SNHG5 RNA molecule highlighted.

Unlocking the Secrets of Cancer: How a Tiny RNA Molecule Could Change Everything

Rhea Morgan in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 5 min read.

"Groundbreaking research reveals how a specific RNA molecule, SNHG5, influences the behavior of colorectal cancer cells, opening new avenues for treatment and understanding."

Cancer, a disease that touches so many lives, continues to challenge scientists and medical professionals worldwide. Despite advancements in treatment and diagnostics, the fight against cancer demands a constant stream of new discoveries. Colorectal cancer, in particular, remains a significant global health concern, highlighting the urgent need for innovative research that can lead to more effective interventions. Recent findings in the realm of RNA research have brought a glimmer of hope, suggesting a potentially pivotal role for a specific molecule in the fight against this disease.

This article will explore the groundbreaking research surrounding a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) molecule known as SNHG5. Scientists have discovered that SNHG5 significantly impacts the behavior of colorectal cancer cells, influencing their proliferation, metastasis, and migration. Furthermore, the research sheds light on the intricate molecular mechanisms through which SNHG5 exerts its effects, offering a deeper understanding of the disease's progression and potential therapeutic targets.

Join us as we unpack the complexities of this research, examining the key findings, and exploring the potential implications for future cancer treatments. This article aims to break down the science into an accessible format, so you can understand the significance of this research and its implications for the future of cancer care.

The Power of RNA: Unraveling the Role of SNHG5 in Colorectal Cancer

Digital illustration of cancer cells with the SNHG5 RNA molecule highlighted.

RNA, or ribonucleic acid, has emerged as a critical player in understanding and treating diseases. Unlike DNA, which carries the genetic code, RNA molecules perform various functions within cells, including protein synthesis. Recent research has focused on non-coding RNAs, which do not code for proteins but still play important roles in regulating cellular processes. One such molecule is lncRNA SNHG5, which has been identified as a key player in colorectal cancer development.

The study's core findings reveal that SNHG5 is significantly upregulated in colorectal cancer tissues and cells. This means there's a higher concentration of SNHG5 in cancerous tissues compared to healthy ones. This increased presence is linked to several critical aspects of cancer progression. The research indicates that SNHG5 fuels the multiplication of cancer cells, increases their ability to spread (metastasis), and promotes their migration to other parts of the body. It also appears to hinder programmed cell death (apoptosis), allowing cancer cells to survive and thrive.

SNHG5 Promotes Cancer Cell Growth: SNHG5 actively contributes to the uncontrolled proliferation of colorectal cancer cells, leading to tumor expansion.
Enhances Metastasis and Migration: The molecule increases the ability of cancer cells to invade surrounding tissues and migrate to distant sites, increasing the risk of the cancer spreading.
Inhibits Apoptosis: SNHG5 suppresses the natural process of programmed cell death (apoptosis), allowing cancer cells to survive and evade the body's defenses.

The research also sheds light on the molecular mechanisms through which SNHG5 exerts its effects. The study reveals that SNHG5 works by modulating the activity of other molecules, specifically microRNA-132-3p (miR-132-3p) and CREB5. MiR-132-3p, which is typically down-regulated in colorectal cancer, appears to be a key target of SNHG5. By suppressing miR-132-3p, SNHG5 indirectly promotes the growth and spread of cancer cells. The study shows that CREB5, another molecule involved in cellular processes, also plays a role in this complex interplay. The interaction between SNHG5, miR-132-3p, and CREB5 paints a complex picture of how this lncRNA drives the progression of colorectal cancer.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Cancer Treatment

The discovery of SNHG5's role in colorectal cancer offers exciting possibilities for new therapeutic strategies. By understanding how SNHG5 functions, scientists may be able to develop targeted therapies that disrupt its activity, potentially slowing or even stopping the progression of the disease. This research underscores the importance of continued investment in cancer research, as it holds the potential to transform the lives of individuals affected by this devastating illness. As we continue to unravel the complexities of cancer, hope lies in the promise of innovative treatments that can offer a brighter future.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1080/15384047.2018.1537579, Alternate LINK

Title: Lncrna Snhg5 Affects Cell Proliferation, Metastasis And Migration Of Colorectal Cancer Through Regulating Mir-132-3P/Creb5

Subject: Cancer Research

Journal: Cancer Biology & Therapy

Publisher: Informa UK Limited

Authors: Mingbao Zhang, Yue Li, Hongbo Wang, Weihua Yu, Sen Lin, Jianqiang Guo

Published: 2018-11-05

Everything You Need To Know

What is SNHG5, and why is it important in colorectal cancer research?

SNHG5 is a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) molecule. Research indicates that SNHG5 is significantly upregulated in colorectal cancer tissues and cells, meaning there is a higher concentration of SNHG5 in cancerous tissues compared to healthy ones. It influences the proliferation, metastasis, and migration of colorectal cancer cells. Understanding its role is crucial because it offers potential new targets for therapies to combat the disease's progression.

How does SNHG5 affect the behavior of colorectal cancer cells?

SNHG5 promotes cancer cell growth by actively contributing to the uncontrolled proliferation of colorectal cancer cells, leading to tumor expansion. It enhances metastasis and migration, increasing the ability of cancer cells to invade surrounding tissues and migrate to distant sites. SNHG5 also inhibits apoptosis, suppressing the natural process of programmed cell death, allowing cancer cells to survive and evade the body's defenses. These combined effects contribute to the progression and spread of colorectal cancer.

What are microRNA-132-3p (miR-132-3p) and CREB5, and how do they interact with SNHG5 in colorectal cancer?

MicroRNA-132-3p (miR-132-3p) is a molecule that is typically down-regulated in colorectal cancer and appears to be a key target of SNHG5. SNHG5 suppresses miR-132-3p, indirectly promoting the growth and spread of cancer cells. CREB5 is another molecule involved in cellular processes that interacts with SNHG5 and miR-132-3p, contributing to the complex interplay that drives the progression of colorectal cancer. The modulation of miR-132-3p and the involvement of CREB5 highlight the intricate molecular mechanisms through which SNHG5 exerts its effects.

Could understanding SNHG5's function lead to new treatments for colorectal cancer?

Yes, the discovery of SNHG5's role in colorectal cancer offers possibilities for new therapeutic strategies. By understanding how SNHG5 functions, scientists may be able to develop targeted therapies that disrupt its activity, potentially slowing or even stopping the progression of the disease. These therapies would aim to reverse the effects of SNHG5, such as its inhibition of miR-132-3p and its influence on CREB5, to restore normal cellular processes and combat cancer growth.

What are the broader implications of SNHG5 research for the future of cancer treatment and research?

The SNHG5 research underscores the significance of continued investment in cancer research. Identifying the specific molecular mechanisms through which SNHG5 affects colorectal cancer opens avenues for developing targeted therapies. Further exploration of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) like SNHG5 may reveal additional therapeutic targets and strategies for combating not only colorectal cancer but also other types of cancer. These findings reinforce the importance of delving into the complexities of RNA's role in cellular processes to unlock innovative treatments and improve outcomes for individuals affected by cancer.