Beyond linear: How circRNAs twist and turn Notch signaling.

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Genetics
• Oncology

Background:

• Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are key regulators of cellular processes.
• The Notch signaling pathway is crucial in development and disease, particularly cancer.
• Dysregulation of Notch signaling is implicated in various pathologies, including tumorigenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the multifaceted roles of circRNAs in modulating Notch signaling.
• To highlight circRNAs as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in diseases.
• To discuss the mechanisms by which circRNAs influence Notch activity.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on circRNAs and Notch signaling.
• Analysis of mechanisms including miRNA sponging, protein interactions, and peptide encoding.
• Examination of specific circRNA examples in various cancers and diseases.

Main Results:

• CircRNAs modulate Notch signaling via miRNA sponging, protein interactions, and peptide encoding.
• Oncogenic circRNAs like circNFIX and circ-ASH2L promote tumor progression.
• CircRNAs exhibit tissue-specific duality, acting as tumor suppressors or oncogenes depending on context.
• Prognostic potential of circRNAs like hsa_circ_0001741 is identified.

Conclusions:

• CircRNAs are significant regulators of the Notch pathway with implications in cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.
• CircRNAs represent promising biomarkers and therapeutic targets, but clinical translation requires overcoming delivery and specificity challenges.
• Further research is needed to fully exploit the therapeutic potential of circRNAs in disease management.