Circular RNA in tumor metastasis
Chao Zhang, Rongfang Ding, Yicheng Sun, Si Tong Huo, Alina T. He, Chang Wen, HongHao Chen, William W. Du, Weinan Lai, Huijun Wang
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a type of endogenous non-coding RNA that were discovered to regulate gene expression through multiple pathways. Metastasis remains one of the biggest obstacles in cancer treatment. In this review, we focus on circRNAs involved in cancer tumorigenesis and metastasis. We present recently identified tumor-related circRNAs and discuss their functioning in tumor progression and metastasis. These circRNAs are categorized into different functional mechanisms, including microRNA (miRNA) sponging, protein binding, regulation of host genes, translation of circRNAs, and exosomal circRNAs. Additionally, the indirect functions of circRNAs that regulate epithelial-mesenchymal transition and autophagy are also discussed.