Open Access

The important regulatory roles of circRNA‑encoded proteins or peptides in cancer pathogenesis (Review)

  • Authors:
    • Lei Zhang
    • Huijuan Gao
    • Xin Li
    • Fei Yu
    • Peifeng Li
  • View Affiliations

  • Published online on: December 29, 2023     https://doi.org/10.3892/ijo.2023.5607
  • Article Number: 19
  • Copyright: © Zhang et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License.

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Abstract

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) represent a class of RNA molecules characterized by their covalently closed structures. There are three types of circRNAs, namely exonic circRNAs, exon‑intron circRNAs and circular intronic RNAs. To date, four distinct mechanisms have been unveiled through which circRNAs exert their functional influence, including serving as microRNA (miRNA) sponges, interacting with RNA binding proteins (RBPs), modulating parental gene transcription and acting as templates for translation. Of note, among these mechanisms, the miRNA/RBP sponge function has been the most investigated one. Recent research has uncovered the presence of various proteins or peptides encoded by circRNA. CircRNAs are translated independent of the 5' cap and 3' polyA tail, which are typical elements for linear RNA translation. Some unique elements, such as internal ribosome entry sites and N‑methyladenosine modifications, facilitate the initiation of translation. These circRNA‑encoded proteins or peptides participate in diverse signalling pathways and act as important regulators in carcinogenesis by influencing cell proliferation, migration, apoptosis and other key processes. Consequently, circRNA‑encoded proteins or peptides have great potential as therapeutic targets for anticancer drugs. The present comprehensive review aimed to systematically summarize the current understanding of circRNA‑encoded proteins or peptides and to unveil their roles in carcinogenesis
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February-2024
Volume 64 Issue 2

Print ISSN: 1019-6439
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Copy and paste a formatted citation
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Spandidos Publications style
Zhang L, Gao H, Li X, Yu F and Li P: The important regulatory roles of circRNA‑encoded proteins or peptides in cancer pathogenesis (Review). Int J Oncol 64: 19, 2024.
APA
Zhang, L., Gao, H., Li, X., Yu, F., & Li, P. (2024). The important regulatory roles of circRNA‑encoded proteins or peptides in cancer pathogenesis (Review). International Journal of Oncology, 64, 19. https://doi.org/10.3892/ijo.2023.5607
MLA
Zhang, L., Gao, H., Li, X., Yu, F., Li, P."The important regulatory roles of circRNA‑encoded proteins or peptides in cancer pathogenesis (Review)". International Journal of Oncology 64.2 (2024): 19.
Chicago
Zhang, L., Gao, H., Li, X., Yu, F., Li, P."The important regulatory roles of circRNA‑encoded proteins or peptides in cancer pathogenesis (Review)". International Journal of Oncology 64, no. 2 (2024): 19. https://doi.org/10.3892/ijo.2023.5607