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Circular RNAs Regulate Cancer Onset and Progression via Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway

Yun Feng Li1, Jian Zhang1, Lei Yu2

  • 1Department of Radiotherapy, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.

Yonsei Medical Journal
|November 27, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are implicated in cancer development by affecting the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Understanding these circRNAs offers potential for new cancer diagnostics and therapeutics.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Cancer is a leading global cause of death, necessitating research into its mechanisms for novel treatments.
  • Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are emerging as key players in various diseases, including cancer, due to their regulatory roles.
  • Aberrant circRNA expression disrupts cellular signaling pathways crucial for cancer development, such as the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the functions of Wnt/β-catenin pathway-related circRNAs in cancer.
  • To explore the role of circRNAs in oncogenesis and cancer progression.
  • To identify potential diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets based on circRNA-Wnt/β-catenin interactions.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing research on circRNAs and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in cancer.
  • Analysis of studies detailing the aberrant expression and functional roles of specific circRNAs in various cancer types.
  • Synthesis of findings on how circRNA-mediated disruption of Wnt/β-catenin signaling contributes to oncogenesis.

Main Results:

  • CircRNAs are dysregulated in various cancers and significantly impact oncogenesis and progression.
  • Interactions between specific circRNAs and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway are critical in driving cancer development.
  • Certain circRNAs show potential as cancer-specific biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Conclusions:

  • Wnt/β-catenin pathway-related circRNAs are crucial modulators of cancer initiation and progression.
  • Targeting these circRNAs presents a promising avenue for developing novel cancer diagnostics and therapeutics.
  • Further research into circRNA functions can significantly advance cancer treatment strategies.
Keywords:
Circular RNAWnt/β-catenin signaling pathwaycancer

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