Crosstalk between circRNAs and the PI3K/AKT and/or MEK/ERK signaling pathways in digestive tract malignancy progression

Evidence indicates that circular RNAs (circRNAs) may play an important role in regulating gene expression by binding to miRNAs through miRNA response elements. circRNAs are formed by back-splicing and have a covalently closed structure. The biogenesis of circRNAs also appears to be regulated by certain cell-specific and/or gene-specific mechanisms, and thus some circRNAs are tissue specific and tumor-expression specific. Furthermore, the high stability and tissue specificity of circRNAs may be of value for early diagnosis, survival prediction and precision medicine. This review summarizes current knowledge regarding the classification and functions of circRNAs and the role of circRNAs in regulating the PI3K/AKT and/or MEK/ERK signaling pathways in digestive tract malignancy tumors.

Automated summary

Evidence suggests that circRNAs may regulate gene expression by binding to miRNAs through miRNA response elements. They are formed by back-splicing and have a closed structure. The biogenesis of circRNAs is regulated by certain cell-specific and/or gene-specific mechanisms, resulting in tissue-specific and tumor-expression specific circRNAs. The stability and tissue specificity of circRNAs may be valuable for early diagnosis and precision medicine. This review summarizes the classification and functions of circRNAs and their role in regulating PI3K/AKT and/or MEK/ERK signaling pathways in digestive tract malignancy tumors.