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Circular RNAs: Fundamental mechanisms in tumor metastasis and detection strategies (Review)
Xiangjun Dong1, Yinwei Che1, Yuzhuo Jiao1
1Department of Central Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Key Medical and Health Laboratory of Perioperative Precise Anesthesia and Organ Protection Mechanism Research, Rizhao Key Laboratory of Basic Research on Anesthesia and Respiratory Intensive Care, The People's Hospital of Rizhao, Rizhao, Shandong 276826, P.R. China.
Abstract:
As a class of endogenous non‑coding RNAs, circular RNAs (circRNAs) are produced by an event known as back‑splicing. Although circRNAs were initially considered to be the product of abnormal splicing events, increasing evidence has shown their vital role in the development of various diseases, especially malignant tumors. Tumor metastasis is the leading cause of tumor deterioration and cancer‑associated mortality, and involves biological changes to malignant cells. A number of circRNAs can mediate tumor progression, especially tumor metastasis. Furthermore, due to their unique structural features, circRNAs are highly stable in body fluids, and have temporal and tissue specificity, making them potentially ideal non‑invasive biomarkers for sensitive monitoring of tumor changes. The present review focuses on circRNAs associated with tumor metastasis and discusses their functional mechanisms. Furthermore, the current review summarizes advances regarding circRNAs as biomarkers and detection strategies.
Insights
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are key players in cancer metastasis, driving tumor progression and mortality. These stable molecules show promise as non-invasive biomarkers for monitoring cancer changes.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are endogenous non-coding RNAs generated via back-splicing.
- Initially dismissed as splicing byproducts, circRNAs are now recognized for their crucial roles in disease, particularly in malignant tumors.
- Tumor metastasis is a primary driver of cancer mortality, involving significant cellular alterations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of circRNAs in tumor metastasis.
- To discuss the functional mechanisms by which circRNAs mediate metastasis.
- To summarize the advancements in using circRNAs as biomarkers for cancer detection and monitoring.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on circRNAs and tumor metastasis.
- Analysis of functional mechanisms of metastasis-associated circRNAs.
- Summary of current biomarker strategies and detection methods for circRNAs.
Main Results:
- Numerous circRNAs are implicated in mediating and promoting tumor metastasis.
- The unique structural stability and specificity of circRNAs make them ideal candidates for non-invasive biomarkers.
- circRNAs offer potential for sensitive monitoring of tumor progression and changes.
Conclusions:
- circRNAs play a significant role in the development and progression of malignant tumors, especially metastasis.
- circRNAs possess characteristics suitable for development as sensitive, non-invasive diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers.
- Further research into circRNA functions and detection strategies can advance cancer diagnostics and therapeutics.
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