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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

Published on: October 21, 2022

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The roles of circRNAs in cancers: Perspectives from molecular functions

Yi-Zhi Cao1, Jin-Yu Sun1, Yan-Xiang Chen2

  • 1The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Sparkfire Scientific Research Group, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.

Gene
|September 29, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are stable RNA molecules with diverse functions, including acting as miRNA sponges and protein regulators. This review covers their biogenesis, roles in cancer, and potential as biomarkers.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genomics
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are covalently closed RNA molecules formed by back-splicing.
  • Their unique structure confers high stability against degradation compared to linear RNAs.
  • Emerging research highlights diverse roles of circRNAs in biological processes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the biogenesis of circRNAs.
  • To provide an overview of circRNA functions, including roles as miRNA sponges, protein regulators, transcriptional regulators, and protein templates.
  • To discuss the potential of circRNAs as cancer biomarkers.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on circRNA biogenesis and function.
  • Analysis of high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics data.
  • Synthesis of current knowledge on circRNA roles in physiological and pathophysiological contexts, particularly cancer.

Main Results:

  • CircRNAs are generated through back-splicing and exhibit enhanced stability.
  • Identified functions include acting as microRNA (miRNA) sponges, regulating proteins, and influencing transcription.
  • CircRNAs play significant roles in various cancers.

Conclusions:

  • CircRNAs possess multifaceted functions with implications in cancer development.
  • Their stability and diverse roles suggest potential as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate circRNA mechanisms and therapeutic applications.
Keywords:
BiogenesisCancerMolecular functionscircRNAsmiRNA sponge

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