A Comprehensive Overview of circRNAs: Emerging Biomarkers and Potential Therapeutics in Gynecological Cancers

Abstract

Circular RNA (circRNA) is a highly conserved, stable and abundant non-coding RNA (ncRNA). Also, some circRNAs play an essential part in the progression of human cancers. CircRNA is different from traditional linear RNA. CircRNA has a closed circular structure, so it is resistant to exonuclease-mediated degradation and is more stable than linear RNA. Numerous studies have found that many circRNAs can act as a microRNA (miRNA) sponge, interact with RNA-binding proteins, regulate gene transcription, affect alternative splicing and be translated into proteins. Recently, some studies have also indicated that circRNA participates in the progression of gynecological cancers. In addition, circRNA can act as a promising biomarker for the diagnosis of gynecological tumors. Additionally, they can also play a key role in the prognosis of gynecological tumors. Furthermore, to our delight, circRNA may be a potential therapeutic target in gynecological cancers and widely used in clinical practice. This article reviews the functions and related molecular mechanisms of circRNAs in gynecological tumors, and discusses their potential as biomarkers for diagnostic and prognostic and therapeutic targets for gynecological cancers.