Roles of circRNA dysregulation in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma tumor microenvironment

Abstract

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is the most prevalent histological esophageal cancer characterized by advanced diagnosis, metastasis, resistance to treatment, and frequent recurrence. In recent years, numerous human disorders such as ESCC, have been linked to abnormal expression of circular RNAs (circRNAs), suggesting that they are fundamental to the intricate system of gene regulation that governs ESCC formation. The tumor microenvironment (TME), referring to the area surrounding the tumor cells, is composed of multiple components, including stromal cells, immune cells, the vascular system, extracellular matrix (ECM), and numerous signaling molecules. In this review, we briefly described the biological purposes and mechanisms of aberrant circRNA expression in the TME of ESCC, including the immune microenvironment, angiogenesis, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, hypoxia, metabolism, and radiotherapy resistance. As in-depth research into the processes of circRNAs in the TME of ESCC continues, circRNAs are promising therapeutic targets or delivery systems for cancer therapy and diagnostic and prognostic indicators for ESCC.

circRNA6448-14/miR-455-3p/OTUB2 axis stimulates glycolysis and stemness of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

“…In certain cases, circRNA functions as a transcription factor, miRNA sponge, protein scaffold, or even a protein translation template [19]. Research on ESCC has focused on the dysregulation of circRNA as a diagnostic biomarker [20] and its role in disease progression [21][22][23], while the circRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network awaits further exploration. Shen et al [24] constructed a circRNA-miRNA-mRNA interaction network based on ESCC microarray profiles and public databases, and then identified hub genes, validating the significant function of the circRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network in ESCC.…”