Exosomal CircRNAs: A Future Star in Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is currently the third most common malignancy worldwide, with an increasing mortality rate and treatment resistance. Due to the lack of effective biomarkers and therapeutic targets, the early diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer remain suboptimal. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a novel class of non-coding RNAs with covalent closed-loop structures that are well stabilized and conserved and are involved in multiple pathological conditions in humans. CircRNAs have been identified to be enriched and stable in exosomes. In addition, there is growing proof that exosomal circRNAs that have been identified as oncogenes or tumor suppressors regulate CRC growth, migration, and sensitivity to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Exosomal circRNAs represent promising candidates as diagnostic biomarkers and anti-tumor targets. In this article, we explore recent studies on exosomal circRNAs in CRC and describe their biological functions in colorectal cancer development, illustrating their potential as biomarkers and targeted therapeutic capabilities.