Unraveling the Regulatory Role of HuR/microRNA Axis in Colorectal Cancer Tumorigenesis

Simple Summary MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a significant role in the initiation and progression of colorectal cancer and are extensively well-studied in this context. However, the interplay between miRNAs and RNA-binding proteins, especially HuR, is yet to be fully understood. In this review, we summarize the regulatory role of the HuR-miRNA axis in colorectal cancer, highlighting its importance for an improved diagnostic or prognostic approach.Abstract Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a significant global health burden with high incidence and mortality. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-protein coding transcripts, conserved throughout evolution, with an important role in CRC tumorigenesis, and are either upregulated or downregulated in various cancers. RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are known as essential regulators of miRNA activity. Human antigen R (HuR) is a prominent RBP known to drive tumorigenesis with a pivotal role in CRC. In this review, we discuss the regulatory role of the HuR/miRNA axis in CRC. Interestingly, miRNAs can directly target HuR, altering its expression and activity. However, HuR can also stabilize or degrade miRNAs, forming complex feedback loops that either activate or block CRC-associated signaling pathways. Dysregulation of the HuR/miRNA axis contributes to CRC initiation and progression. Additionally, HuR-miRNA regulation by other small non-coding RNAs, circular RNA (circRNAs), or long-non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) is also explored here. Understanding this HuR-miRNA interplay could reveal novel biomarkers with better diagnostic or prognostic accuracy.