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Published on: April 12, 2024
circRNA: A New Biomarker and Therapeutic Target for Esophageal Cancer
Katsutoshi Shoda1, Yuki Kuwano2, Daisuke Ichikawa1
1First Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 409-3898, Japan.
Abstract:
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) comprise a large class of endogenous non-coding RNA with covalently closed loops and have independent functions as linear transcripts transcribed from identical genes. circRNAs are generated by a "back-splicing" process regulated by regulatory elements in cis and associating proteins in trans. Many studies have shown that circRNAs play important roles in multiple processes, including splicing, transcription, chromatin modification, miRNA sponges, and protein decoys. circRNAs are highly stable because of their closed ring structure, which prevents them from degradation by exonucleases, and are more abundant in terminally differentiated cells, such as brains. Recently, it was demonstrated that numerous circRNAs are differentially expressed in cancer cells, and their dysfunction is involved in tumorigenesis and metastasis. However, the crucial functions of these circRNAs and the dysregulation of circRNAs in cancer are still unknown. In this review, we summarize the recent reports on the biogenesis and biology of circRNAs and then catalog the advances in using circRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for cancer therapy, particularly esophageal cancer.
Insights
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are stable molecules involved in gene regulation. This review covers circRNA biology and their potential as cancer biomarkers and therapeutic targets, especially for esophageal cancer.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are endogenous non-coding RNAs with a unique closed-loop structure.
- They are generated via back-splicing and play roles in gene regulation, including splicing and miRNA sponging.
- circRNAs are highly stable and abundant in differentiated cells like the brain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the biogenesis and biological functions of circRNAs.
- To summarize recent advances in utilizing circRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in cancer.
- To focus on the role of circRNAs in esophageal cancer.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent reports on circRNA biogenesis, function, and cancer applications.
- Cataloging studies on circRNAs in tumorigenesis and metastasis.
- Focusing on circRNAs in esophageal cancer research.
Main Results:
- circRNAs are differentially expressed in cancer cells, with their dysfunction linked to tumorigenesis and metastasis.
- Numerous circRNAs show potential as biomarkers for cancer detection and prognosis.
- circRNAs are emerging as promising therapeutic targets for various cancers.
Conclusions:
- circRNAs possess unique properties making them valuable in cancer research.
- Further investigation into circRNA functions and dysregulation is crucial for cancer therapy.
- circRNAs hold significant promise as biomarkers and therapeutic targets, particularly in esophageal cancer.
