Circular RNAs Modulate Cancer Hallmark and Molecular Pathways to Support Cancer Progression and Metastasis

Simple Summary Circular RNAs (circRNA) are a type of RNA molecule of circular shape that are now being extensively studied due to the important roles they play in different biological processes. In addition, they were also shown to be implicated in disease such as cancer. Cancer is a complex process which is often defined by a combination of specific processes called cancer hallmarks. In this review, we summarize the literature on circRNAs in cancer and classify them as being implicated in specific cancer hallmarks. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are noncoding products of backsplicing of pre-mRNAs which have been established to possess potent biological functions. Dysregulated circRNA expression has been linked to diseases including different types of cancer. Cancer progression is known to result from the dysregulation of several molecular mechanisms responsible for the maintenance of cellular and tissue homeostasis. The dysregulation of these processes is defined as cancer hallmarks, and the molecular pathways implicated in them are regarded as the targets of therapeutic interference. In this review, we summarize the literature on the investigation of circRNAs implicated in cancer hallmark molecular signaling. First, we present general information on the properties of circRNAs, such as their biogenesis and degradation mechanisms, as well as their basic molecular functions. Subsequently, we summarize the roles of circRNAs in the framework of each cancer hallmark and finally discuss the potential as therapeutic targets.

Automated summary

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a type of RNA molecule that are circular in shape and have been extensively studied due to their important roles in various biological processes. They have also been shown to be implicated in diseases, including cancer. Cancer is a complex process characterized by dysregulation of various molecular mechanisms responsible for maintaining cellular and tissue homeostasis. These dysregulated processes, known as cancer hallmarks, are considered targets for therapeutic intervention. In this review, we summarize the literature on circRNAs implicated in specific cancer hallmarks and their potential as therapeutic targets.