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Published on: May 30, 2025

645

Circular RNAs as Targets for Developing Anticancer Therapeutics

Jaewhoon Jeoung1, Wonho Kim1, Hyein Jo1

  • 1Department of Biochemistry, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea.

Cells
|July 25, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Circular RNAs (CircRNAs) are stable molecules that drive cancer progression and drug resistance by enhancing glycolysis. CircRNA vaccines show promise in improving cancer therapy efficacy.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Circular RNAs (CircRNAs) are RNA molecules formed by back splicing, known for their stability and regulatory roles in cellular processes.
  • CircRNAs interact with nucleic acids and proteins, influencing transcription, translation, metabolism, and cancer progression.
  • Their stability and involvement in cancer make CircRNAs promising biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the mechanisms by which CircRNAs contribute to anticancer drug resistance, particularly through enhanced glycolysis.
  • To discuss the clinical applications of CircRNA vaccines in overcoming drug resistance and improving immunotherapy.
  • To evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of CircRNA-based vaccines.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on CircRNA function in cancer.
  • Analysis of CircRNA roles in glycolysis and drug resistance.
  • Examination of CircRNA vaccine development and clinical trial data.

Main Results:

  • Dysregulated CircRNA expression is linked to various cancers and anticancer drug resistance.
  • CircRNAs promote glycolysis, contributing to resistance against chemotherapeutic agents.
  • CircRNA vaccines can induce immune responses and enhance sensitivity to immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Conclusions:

  • CircRNAs are critical regulators of anticancer drug resistance and glycolysis.
  • CircRNA vaccines represent a novel therapeutic strategy to overcome drug resistance and boost immunotherapy.
  • CircRNAs hold significant potential as diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic tools in oncology.
Keywords:
anticancer drug resistancecancer diagnosiscircular RNA synthesiscircular RNA vaccinecircular RNAsclinical trialsimmune responses

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