Recent advancements in molecular diagnostic methods for circular RNA (circRNA) are opening new possibilities for cancer detection and treatment. A comprehensive review published in the KeAi journal Biomedical Analysis sheds light on the latest technologies for specific and sensitive detection of circRNAs, which have emerged as promising biomarkers for various cancers.
CircRNA, a unique type of non-coding RNA, was once considered a byproduct of abnormal splicing. However, since 2013, when its regulatory mechanism as a miRNA sponge was discovered, circRNA has become a focal point of intense research. The study, led by Professor Jiasi Wang from Sun Yat-sen University, highlights the critical role of circRNAs in diseases such as gastric cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, and breast cancer.
The research team emphasizes the potential of circRNAs as ideal biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis. ‘CircRNAs have emerged as promising biomarkers for cancer because their expression levels in tumors and normal tissues vary greatly,’ explains Professor Wang. The unique characteristics of circRNAs, including superior stability, preservation, and tissue-specific expression, offer advantages over existing RNA biomarkers.
The study (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bioana.2024.11.002) reviews various detection technologies, discussing their principles, advantages, and limitations. It particularly focuses on breakthroughs in isothermal amplification, CRISPR, and digital droplet assays. These advancements are crucial for understanding circRNA’s biological functions and tracking disease progression, which are prerequisites for clinical applications.
Currently, RNA sequencing and RT-PCR are the most common methods for detecting circRNA. However, each has its limitations. RNA sequencing, while capable of revealing actual structure and discovering new circRNAs, is inefficient for detecting low-abundance circRNAs and is expensive and complex to perform. RT-PCR, considered the gold standard for circRNA validation, can overestimate expression due to the unique structure of circRNA.
Zequan Ye, the first author of the study, notes the challenges in precise detection and quantification of circRNA, especially in intracellular environments. ‘Though the field of circRNA has made great progress in the past 10 years, it is still challenging to precisely detect and quantify circRNA, especially in intracellular environments, due to the circular conformation and sequence overlap with their cognate mRNAs,’ Ye explains.
This research represents a significant step forward in the field of cancer diagnostics. As circRNAs are involved in the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of tumor cells, improved detection methods could lead to earlier and more accurate cancer diagnoses. This, in turn, could result in more effective treatment strategies and improved patient outcomes.
The study’s findings have far-reaching implications for both medical research and clinical practice. As detection technologies continue to evolve, they may pave the way for new, non-invasive diagnostic tools and personalized treatment approaches in oncology. The ability to accurately detect and quantify circRNAs could also advance our understanding of cancer biology, potentially leading to novel therapeutic targets.
As research in this field progresses, it is likely to attract increased attention from the medical community and biotechnology industry. The development of more sensitive and specific circRNA detection methods could lead to new diagnostic products and influence the direction of cancer research in the coming years.
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