Circular RNAs-New Kids on the Block in Cancer Pathophysiology and Management

Adrian Szczepaniak1, Agnieszka Bronisz2, Jakub Godlewski1

  • 1NeuroOncology Laboratory, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland.

Cells
|February 25, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are emerging as critical regulators in cancer development, especially within cancer stem-like cells. This review highlights their roles and the tools available for studying these important non-coding RNAs.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Rising cancer incidence and mortality necessitate novel therapeutic strategies.
  • Research on protein-coding genes has yielded incremental advances in cancer therapy.
  • Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including circular RNAs (circRNAs), are increasingly recognized for their significant roles in oncogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in cancer, with a specific focus on cancer stem-like cells.
  • To summarize the molecular mechanisms by which circRNAs influence cancer progression.
  • To provide an overview of current methodologies and toolkits for studying circRNAs.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on circular RNAs in cancer.
  • Analysis of reported mechanisms of action for circRNAs in oncogenesis.
  • Compilation of existing and emerging techniques for circRNA research.

Main Results:

  • Circular RNAs are key regulators in cancer development and progression.
  • circRNAs play a crucial role in the biology and maintenance of cancer stem-like cells.
  • A variety of methods exist for the detection, quantification, and functional analysis of circRNAs.

Conclusions:

  • Circular RNAs represent a promising area for the development of innovative anticancer therapies.
  • Targeting circRNAs, particularly in cancer stem-like cells, may offer new therapeutic avenues.
  • Understanding circRNA functions and utilizing advanced toolkits are essential for advancing cancer research and treatment.

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