Molecular and Metabolic Characterization of LncRNA UCA1 During Anchorage-Independent Stress in Colorectal Carcinoma

Author

• Ricardo Samuel Pequeno Bracho, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Date of Award

8-1-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

First Advisor

Manish Tripathi

Second Advisor

Yonghong Zhang

Third Advisor

Debashish Bandyopadhyay

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) mortality is driven by metastatic dissemination, requiring cells to survive detachment-induced apoptosis (anoikis). The role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in coordinating metabolic adaptation during matrix detachment remains unclear. This study investigated lncRNA UCA1 as a regulator of anchorage-independent survival. Using paired SW480 and SW620 lines, stable UCA1 gain- and loss-of-function models were validated. UCA1 overexpression reduced suspension-induced apoptosis, while knockdown increased apoptotic burden. Seahorse metabolic profiling revealed that UCA1 enhanced glycolytic activity, respiratory capacity, and total ATP production during detachment. Functional assays confirmed corresponding increases in glucose uptake and lactate secretion. Collectively, these data indicate that UCA1 promotes anoikis resistance by driving bioenergetic adaptations that sustain ATP generation, presenting a metabolic vulnerability in metastatic colorectal cancer.

Comments

Copyright 2026 Ricardo Pequeno Bracho. All Rights Reserved. https://proquest.com/docview/3409150958

Recommended Citation

Pequeno Bracho, R. S. (2026). Molecular and Metabolic Characterization of LncRNA UCA1 During Anchorage-Independent Stress in Colorectal Carcinoma [Master's thesis, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley]. ScholarWorks @ UTRGV. https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/etd/2070