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Updated: Jul 8, 2025
Identification of Circular RNAs using RNA Sequencing
Published on: November 14, 2019
Circular RNAs: Biomarkers of cancer
Jingyi Cui1,2, Meng Chen3, Lanxin Zhang2
1The Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology of National Health Commission Beijing China.
Abstract:
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a class of single-stranded closed RNAs that are produced by the back splicing of precursor mRNAs. The formation of circRNAs mainly involves intron-pairing-driven circularization, RNA-binding protein (RBP)-driven circularization, and lariat-driven circularization. The vast majority of circRNAs are found in the cytoplasm, and some intron-containing circRNAs are localized in the nucleus. CircRNAs have been found to function as microRNA (miRNA) sponges, interact with RBPs and translate proteins, and play an important regulatory role in the development and progression of cancer. CircRNAs exhibit tissue- and developmental stage-specific expression and are stable, with longer half-lives than linear RNAs. CircRNAs have great potential as biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis, which is highlighted by their detectability in tissues, especially in fluid biopsy samples such as plasma, saliva, and urine. Here, we review the current studies on the properties and functions of circRNAs and their clinical application value.
Insights
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are stable RNA molecules with crucial roles in gene regulation and cancer. Their unique properties make them promising biomarkers for early cancer detection and prognosis.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are formed by precursor mRNA back-splicing.
- circRNAs function as miRNA sponges, interact with RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), and can be translated.
- They play regulatory roles in cancer development and progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the properties and functions of circRNAs.
- To explore the clinical application value of circRNAs in cancer.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current studies on circRNA properties, functions, and clinical applications.
Main Results:
- circRNAs are stable molecules with tissue- and developmental stage-specific expression.
- They are detectable in various biological samples, including fluid biopsies.
- circRNAs show significant potential as cancer biomarkers.
Conclusions:
- circRNAs possess unique characteristics that position them as valuable biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis.
- Further research into circRNAs can advance cancer diagnostics and therapeutic strategies.
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