Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 19, 2025

In Silico Identification and Characterization of circRNAs During Host-Pathogen Interactions
10:27

In Silico Identification and Characterization of circRNAs During Host-Pathogen Interactions

Published on: October 21, 2022

1.6K

Going circular: history, present, and future of circRNAs in cancer

Giuseppina Pisignano1, David C Michael2, Tanvi H Visal3,4

  • 1Department of Life Sciences, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK. gp529@bath.ac.uk.

Oncogene
|August 16, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are stable RNA molecules regulating gene expression. Despite challenges in detection and function elucidation, their potential as cancer biomarkers and therapeutic targets is significant.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Thousands of circular RNAs (circRNAs), abundant and conserved single-stranded RNA molecules, have been identified.
  • CircRNAs regulate gene expression transcriptionally and post-transcriptionally, with distinct tissue- and development-specific patterns.
  • They are implicated in various normal and disease conditions, including cancer pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current knowledge of circRNA biogenesis and function.
  • To explore the involvement of circRNAs in tumorigenesis.
  • To discuss the potential utility of circRNAs in cancer-targeted therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of circRNA research.
  • Analysis of circRNA biogenesis and regulatory mechanisms.
  • Evaluation of circRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in cancer.

Main Results:

  • CircRNAs are stable and resistant to ribonucleases, making them promising biomarkers.
  • Their circular structure presents challenges for annotation and functional studies.
  • CircRNAs play roles in cancer development and may be targeted for therapy.

Conclusions:

  • CircRNAs hold significant potential as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for cancer.
  • Further research is needed to overcome challenges in circRNA detection and functional characterization.
  • CircRNAs represent a promising avenue for novel cancer-targeted therapies.

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