Circular RNAs: A novel target among non‑coding RNAs with potential roles in malignant tumors (Review)

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a class of non‑coding RNAs that are generated via alternative back‑splicing, which connects the terminal 5' and 3'ends. Due to their unique loop structure, circRNAs are resistant to ribonucleases and more stable than linear RNAs. In vivo, they are usually highly conserved and stably expressed in tissue/developmental‑stage‑specific manners. Generally, circRNAs function as microRNA sponges and splicing regulators, as well as in protein binding and transcription. Some circRNAs contain open reading frames with internal ribosomal entry site elements and can thus encode specific proteins. Previously, circRNAs were thought to be erroneous splicing products or by‑products of mRNA splicing. With the development of the next‑generation sequencing techniques, it has become increasingly clear that circRNAs are abundantly widespread in eukaryotes and that they play significant roles in malignant tumor progression. The present review briefly introduces the biogenesis and functions of circRNAs, as well as summarizes recent research in several common malignancies. The present review also addresses the prospects of circRNAs in clinical applications.

Evidence level

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

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