Comprehensive insights into circular RNAs, miRNAs, and lncRNAs as biomarkers in retinoblastoma
Mahsa Fakeri1, Fatemeh Shakoul1, Seyyed Mohammad Yaghoubi1
1Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.
Insights
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) show promise as biomarkers for early retinoblastoma (RB) diagnosis. Understanding circRNA roles could improve survival rates for this childhood cancer, especially in low-income countries.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Retinoblastoma (RB) is a prevalent, lethal childhood cancer with significant global survival disparities.
- RB incidence is high in Asia and Africa, with overall survival rates below 30%.
- Current RB management is complex, individualized, and resource-dependent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify essential diagnostic markers for early retinoblastoma (RB) detection.
- To investigate the molecular pathways, including non-coding RNAs, involved in RB.
- To explore the potential of circular RNAs (circRNAs) as biomarkers for improved RB outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on retinoblastoma (RB) molecular pathways.
- Analysis of the roles of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), and circRNAs in RB.
- Examination of studies on circRNA expression and function in RB.
Main Results:
- Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are implicated as potential predictive and diagnostic biomarkers in RB.
- Elevated circRNA expression is observed in most RB patient cases.
- Inhibition of specific circRNA production demonstrates potential to impede tumor progression.
Conclusions:
- Understanding non-coding RNA roles, particularly circRNAs, is crucial for advancing RB diagnostics and therapeutics.
- circRNAs offer a promising avenue for developing targeted therapies and personalized treatment plans for RB.
- Further research into circRNA mechanisms can enhance survival rates, especially in underserved regions.
Abstract:
Retinoblastoma (RB) is a common and potentially lethal cancer that primarily affects young children worldwide, with survival rates significantly varying between high- and low-income countries. This review aims to identify essential diagnostic markers for early diagnosis by investigating the molecular pathways associated with RB. The prevalence of RB cases is notably concentrated in Asia and Africa, contributing to a global survival rate estimate of less than 30%. Current management strategies involve complex, individualized treatment plans that consider cultural nuances, genetic abnormalities, staging, and the availability of medical resources. Recent studies suggest that circular RNAs (circRNAs) may serve as predictive and diagnostic biomarkers in the etiology of RB. This review examines the roles of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), and circRNAs in RB, with the goal of improving survival rates, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. A deeper understanding of the molecular pathways of RB may facilitate the development of personalized treatment plans and targeted therapies. Elevated expression of circRNAs has been observed in most patient cases, and studies indicate that reducing specific circRNA production can inhibit tumor cell development and progression. Investigating the roles and mechanisms of circular RNAs in RB holds promise for future treatment approaches.
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