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Updated: Mar 9, 2026
08:25
Identification of Circular RNAs using RNA Sequencing
Published on: November 14, 2019
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Circular RNAs in cancer: an emerging key player
Yeping Dong1, Dan He1, Zhenzi Peng1
1Institute of Medical Sciences, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Xiangya Road 87th, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, People's Republic of China.
Journal of Hematology & Oncology
|January 5, 2017
Summary
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are abundant in mammals and regulate gene expression. These molecules are increasingly recognized for their roles in human diseases, particularly cancer, offering potential as novel biomarkers.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are covalently closed RNA molecules found extensively in mammalian cells.
- They exhibit cross-species conservation and tissue-specific expression patterns.
- Initially considered splicing byproducts, circRNAs are now known to have regulatory functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the biogenesis and metabolism of circRNAs.
- To discuss the diverse functions of circRNAs, including microRNA (miRNA) sponging.
- To explore the association of circRNAs with human diseases, especially cancer, and their potential as biomarkers.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of circRNA research.
- Analysis of studies on circRNA biogenesis and function.
- Examination of evidence linking circRNAs to cancer development and diagnostics.
Main Results:
- CircRNAs are formed through a specific back-splicing mechanism.
- They act as miRNA sponges, influencing gene expression post-transcriptionally.
- CircRNAs play roles in regulating splicing and transcription.
- Growing evidence implicates circRNAs in various human cancers.
Conclusions:
- CircRNAs represent a significant class of regulatory RNAs.
- Their involvement in cancer highlights their potential as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers.
- CircRNAs are a burgeoning area of research in oncology and RNA biology.
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