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In Silico Identification and Characterization of circRNAs During Host-Pathogen Interactions
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In Silico Identification and Characterization of circRNAs During Host-Pathogen Interactions

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Circular RNAs: The star molecules in cancer

Jianhong Liu1, Dongpei Li2, Hui Luo3

  • 1Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhanjiang), The Marine Biomedical Research Institute, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, 524023, China; Cancer Center, The Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, 524023, China.

Molecular Aspects of Medicine
|November 3, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Circular RNAs (circRNAs), highly conserved molecules, play crucial roles in cancer biology. This review details cancer-related circRNAs, their origins, functions, and applications in diagnosing and treating sixteen tumor types.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are non-coding RNAs with a unique closed-loop structure.
  • Produced via alternative splicing, circRNAs are highly conserved and biologically significant.
  • Their roles in cancer biology are increasingly recognized with advanced screening technologies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review cancer-related circRNAs.
  • To elucidate their origins and formation mechanisms.
  • To explore their functions and applications in cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on circRNAs and cancer.
  • Analysis of circRNA expression patterns in various tumors.
  • Examination of experimental evidence for circRNA functions in oncogenesis.

Main Results:

  • Numerous circRNAs are implicated in the pathogenesis of various cancers.
  • circRNAs exhibit diverse functions, including acting as miRNA sponges, protein scaffolds, and gene regulators.
  • Specific circRNAs show potential as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Conclusions:

  • Cancer-related circRNAs are pivotal in tumor development and progression.
  • Understanding circRNA mechanisms offers new avenues for cancer management.
  • This review provides a comprehensive overview for sixteen tumor types, highlighting diagnostic and therapeutic potential.
Keywords:
CancerDiagnosisMolecular targetSpongeTherapycircRNAs

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