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Updated: Aug 5, 2025

Identification of Circular RNAs using RNA Sequencing
Published on: November 14, 2019
The function and mechanisms of action of circular RNAs in Urologic Cancer
Zi-Hao Zhang1,2,3, Yue Wang2,3, Ya Zhang4
1Qingdao Institute, School of Life Medicine, Department of Urology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Qingdao, 266500, China.
Abstract:
Kidney, bladder, and prostate cancer are the three major tumor types of the urologic system that seriously threaten human health. Circular RNAs (CircRNAs), special non-coding RNAs with a stabile structure and a unique back-splicing loop-forming ability, have received recent scientific attention. CircRNAs are widely distributed within the body, with important biologic functions such as sponges for microRNAs, as RNA binding proteins, and as templates for regulation of transcription and protein translation. The abnormal expression of circRNAs in vivo is significantly associated with the development of urologic tumors. CircRNAs have now emerged as potential biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of urologic tumors, as well as targets for the development of new therapies. Although we have gained a better understanding of circRNA, there are still many questions to be answered. In this review, we summarize the properties of circRNAs and detail their function, focusing on the effects of circRNA on proliferation, metastasis, apoptosis, metabolism, and drug resistance in kidney, bladder, and prostate cancers.
Insights
Circular RNAs (CircRNAs) are key players in urologic cancers, impacting tumor growth and spread. This review explores their potential as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for kidney, bladder, and prostate cancers.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Urologic cancers, including kidney, bladder, and prostate cancer, pose significant health risks.
- Circular RNAs (CircRNAs) are unique non-coding RNAs with diverse biological functions.
- Aberrant CircRNA expression is linked to the pathogenesis of urologic malignancies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the properties and biological functions of CircRNAs.
- To elucidate the role of CircRNAs in the development of kidney, bladder, and prostate cancers.
- To highlight the potential of CircRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on CircRNAs in urologic cancers.
- Analysis of CircRNA functions including microRNA sponging, protein binding, and transcriptional regulation.
- Focus on CircRNA involvement in cancer proliferation, metastasis, apoptosis, metabolism, and drug resistance.
Main Results:
- CircRNAs exhibit critical roles in regulating key cancer hallmarks.
- Abnormal CircRNA expression is a common feature in urologic tumors.
- CircRNAs demonstrate potential as diagnostic and prognostic indicators.
Conclusions:
- CircRNAs are emerging as significant factors in urologic oncology.
- Further research into CircRNAs could lead to novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for kidney, bladder, and prostate cancers.
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