CRISPR decodes the RNA regulatory network in prostate cancer: A review from mechanisms to precision therapeutics

Prostate cancer (PCa) remains one of the most prevalent and lethal malignancies in men worldwide. The pronounced heterogeneity and therapeutic resistance of PCa underscore the critical need to decipher its RNA regulatory network for advancing precision medicine. This review systematically outlines the cutting-edge applications of CRISPR technology in studying the RNA regulatory network of PCa. We highlight the CRISPR systems as a powerful tool for functional decoding, target screening, ultrasensitive diagnostics, and precision intervention, emphasizing their pivotal role in elucidating the functional mechanisms of mRNA, miRNA, circRNA, lncRNA, eRNA, and m 6 A modification. Furthermore, this review synthesizes how these insights not only reveal the core functions of diverse RNA molecules in PCa initiation, progression, drug resistance, and metastasis but also propel the innovation of novel therapeutic strategies, including mRNA vaccines, Cas13-mediated RNA editing, and targeted delivery systems. Finally, we discuss future directions and challenges in developing personalized CRISPR-RNA therapeutics integrated with multi-omics technologies, aiming to provide a theoretical foundation and technical framework for precision medicine in PCa.