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Updated: Oct 26, 2025

Identification of Circular RNAs using RNA Sequencing
Published on: November 14, 2019
Squaring the circle: circRNAs in melanoma
Nicol Mecozzi1, Olga Vera1, Florian A Karreth2
1Department of Molecular Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA.
Abstract:
Non-coding RNAs are emerging as critical molecules in the genesis, progression, and therapy resistance of cutaneous melanoma. This includes circular RNAs (circRNAs), a class of non-coding RNAs with distinct characteristics that forms through non-canonical back-splicing. In this review, we summarize the features and functions of circRNAs and introduce the current knowledge of the roles of circRNAs in melanoma. We also highlight the various mechanisms of action of the well-studied circRNA CDR1as and describe how it acts as a melanoma tumor suppressor. We further discuss the utility of circRNAs as biomarkers, therapeutic targets, and therapeutic agents in melanoma and outline challenges that must be overcome to comprehensively characterize circRNA functions.
Insights
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are key non-coding RNAs in melanoma development and treatment. This review explores circRNA functions, their role as tumor suppressors like CDR1as, and their potential in melanoma therapy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Non-coding RNAs play crucial roles in cutaneous melanoma.
- Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a distinct class of non-coding RNAs formed via back-splicing.
- Understanding circRNAs is vital for melanoma research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the features and functions of circRNAs.
- To summarize the current knowledge on circRNAs in melanoma.
- To discuss the potential of circRNAs in melanoma diagnosis and therapy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of circRNAs in cutaneous melanoma.
- Analysis of circRNA mechanisms, focusing on CDR1as.
- Discussion of circRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic strategies.
Main Results:
- CircRNAs are implicated in melanoma genesis, progression, and therapy resistance.
- The circRNA CDR1as functions as a melanoma tumor suppressor.
- CircRNAs show promise as melanoma biomarkers and therapeutic targets/agents.
Conclusions:
- CircRNAs are critical regulators in melanoma.
- Further research is needed to fully characterize circRNA functions and therapeutic potential.
- CircRNAs represent a promising avenue for novel melanoma treatments.
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