Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are single-stranded RNAs generated from exons back-splicing from a single pre-mRNA, forming covalently closed loop structures which lack 5′-3′-polarity or polyadenylated tail. Ongoing research depicts that circRNAs play a pivotal role in tumorigenesis, tumor progression, metastatic potential and chemoresistance by regulating transcription, microRNA (miRNA) sponging, RNA-binding protein interactions, alternative splicing and to a lesser degree, protein coding. Sarcomas are rare malignant tumors stemming from mesenchymal cells. Due to their clinically insidious onset, they often present at advanced stage and their treatment may require aggressive chemotherapeutic or surgical options. This review is mainly focused on the regulatory functions of circRNAs on osteosarcoma progression and their potential role as biomarkers, an area which has prompted lately extensive research. The attributed oncogenic role of circRNAs on other mesenchymal tumors such as Kaposi Sarcoma (KS), Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) or Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GISTs) is also described. The involvement of circRNAs on sarcoma oncogenesis and relevant emerging diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic applications are expected to gain more research interest in the future.
Highlights
Sarcomas are rare tumors, with an incidence between 1 to 5 per 1,000,000 population, accounting for over 20% of all pediatric solid malignant tumors and less than 1% of all adult solid malignant tumors [1,2]
Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most frequent malignant bone tumor, occurring in all age groups, with the highest incidence been detected at 5–29 years of age and a second peak occurring above 50 years, following a bimodal distribution [2,3]
We provide an update on the current knowledge related to circRNAs’ role on sarcoma tumorigenesis, describing their implication in various tumor types
Summary
With an incidence between 1 to 5 per 1,000,000 population, accounting for over 20% of all pediatric solid malignant tumors and less than 1% of all adult solid malignant tumors [1,2]. Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most frequent malignant bone tumor, occurring in all age groups, with the highest incidence been detected at 5–29 years of age and a second peak occurring above 50 years, following a bimodal distribution [2,3] It usually affects the metaphysis of the limbs, such as the distal femur, humerus and proximal tibia [3]. AIDS in the United States, and common in patients with underlying immunodeficiency, such as organ transplant recipients [7,8], representing one of the most frequent tumors overall [2]. Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) comprises 5% of all pediatric tumors [11], and stems from mesenchymal cells with skeletal muscle differentiation [12] We provide an update on the current knowledge related to circRNAs’ role on sarcoma tumorigenesis, describing their implication in various tumor types
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