Biological Functions, Mechanisms, and Clinical Significance of Circular RNA in Pancreatic Cancer: a Promising Rising Star

Overview

Journal Cell Biosci

Publisher Biomed Central

Specialty Biology

Date 2022 Jun 21

PMID 35729650

Authors

Qun Chen

Jiajia Li

Peng Shen

Hao Yuan

Jie Yin

Wanli Ge

Wujun Wang

Guangbin Chen

Taoyue Yang

Bin Xiao

Yi Miao

Zipeng Lu

Pengfei Wu

Kuirong Jiang

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a highly malignant solid tumor with insidious onset and easy early metastasis. Despite tremendous efforts devoted to research in this field, the mechanisms underlying PC tumorigenesis and progression remain unclear. Additionally, robust biomarkers and satisfactory therapeutic strategies for clinical use in PC patients are still lacking. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a new type of non-coding RNA originating from precursor messenger RNAs, with a covalent continuous closed-loop structure, strong stability and high specificity. Accumulating evidence suggests that circRNAs may participate in PC development and progression. Abnormal expression of circRNAs in PC is considered a vital factor that affects tumor cell proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis, angiogenesis and drug resistance. In this review of relevant articles published in recent years, we describe the basic knowledge concerning circRNAs, including their classification, biogenesis, functions and research approaches. Moreover, the biological roles and clinical significance of circRNAs related to PC are discussed. Finally, we note the questions remaining from recent studies and anticipate that further investigations will address these gaps in knowledge in this field. In conclusion, we expect to provide insights into circRNAs as potential targets for specific PC diagnosis and treatment in the future.

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