Circular RNA regulates the onset and progression of cancer through the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway

Abstract

The rapid increase in cancer morbidity and mortality worldwide is a major challenge for public health providers. Therefore, there is an urgent need to explore the molecular mechanism of tumorigenesis and identify potential diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic methods. Circular RNA (circRNA) is characterized by a stable structure and tissue-specific expression; these features are useful in medical research and clinical applications. In recent years, with the development of high-throughput sequencing technology, the potential use of circRNA in cancer prognosis and treatment has been extensively explored. Abnormal circRNA expression interferes with specific signaling pathways such as the MAPK pathway; this phenomenon may provide potential diagnostic biomarkers and new therapeutic targets. The present article discusses the research progress on the regulatory roles of MAPK/ERK pathway-related circRNA molecules in the development and progression of different types of tumors. This review may provide insight into the development of circRNA-based cancer management strategies.

Keywords: MAPK signaling; cancer; circular RNA; non-coding RNA; tumor drug resistance.

Figure 1.

MAPK signaling pathways. ERK1/2, ERK5, JNKs and p38 proteins are classical components of MAPK signaling pathways according the traditional linear four-tiered organization. These pathways have been implicated in signal transduction from cell surface receptors (such as receptor tyrosine kinases or G-protein-coupled receptors) to the nucleus, leading to the activation of various cellular processes, including cell proliferation, survival, migration and differentiation. p-, phosphorylated.

Figure 2.

Human cancer-associated circRNA molecules and the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway. The MAPK/ERK signaling pathway plays a critical role in the progression of human cancer. circRNA molecules associated with MAPK/ERK signaling adsorb miR targets by sponging them, inhibiting their effects on target genes and regulating them. This, in turn, activates or inhibits MAPK/ERK signaling and regulates the growth, metastasis and apoptosis of cancer cells. circRNA, circular RNA; miR, microRNA.