Colon cancer-associated transcript 2 (CCAT2)

CCAT2 (Colon cancer-associated transcript 2) is a long non-coding RNA identified as an oncogenic driver in multiple cancer types, notably in colorectal cancer. It is transcribed from the 8q24 genomic region, frequently upregulated in tumor tissues and cell lines. CCAT2 acts as a regulator of gene expression through direct interaction with RNA-binding proteins, transcription factors (notably TCF7L2), and miRNAs. It enhances MYC expression and activates the WNT/β-catenin pathway, leading to increased chromosomal instability and promoting key cancer phenotypes: proliferation, migration, invasion, metastatic potential, and chemoresistance. The allelic variant rs6983267 within CCAT2 is associated with cancer risk and metabolic reprogramming. CCAT2 is primarily nuclear localized and functions as a competitive endogenous RNA, modulating tumor suppressor miRNA pathways. Its expression serves both as a biomarker for diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring of disease, and as a potential therapeutic target, although its clinical targeting remains nascent with notable safety concerns arising from its central role in essential gene regulation and genome stability.

Other names

NCCP1LINC00873Long intergenic non-protein coding RNA 873Non-coding RNA involved in cancer predisposition 1Colon cancer associated transcript 2 (non-protein coding)

Downregulation/silencing of CCAT2: Inhibits proliferation, invasion, and migration; induces apoptosis in cancer cells; increases sensitivity to chemotherapeutics like Adriamycin and Cisplatin. Upregulation: Promotes cancer proliferation, resistance to apoptosis, invasion, metastasis, and chromosomal instability via several pathways (e.g., WNT/β-catenin, AKT/GSK3β).