Cancer-related circular RNA: diverse biological functions

Abstract

Noncoding RNAs, including long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs), are involved in regulating biological functions. In recent decades, miRNAs and lncRNAs have both inspired a wave of research, but the study of circRNA functions is still in its infancy. Studies have found that circRNAs actively participate in the occurrence and development of various diseases, which emphasizes the importance of circRNAs. Here, we review the features and classification of circRNAs and summarize their functions. Then, we briefly describe how to analyze circRNAs by bioinformatics procedures. In addition, the relationship between circRNAs and cancers is discussed with an emphasis on proving whether circRNAs can be potential biomarkers for the prognosis and diagnosis of cancer.