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Review

The Tumorigenic Role of Circular RNA-MicroRNA Axis in Cancer

by
Woo Ryung Kim
1,2,
Eun Gyung Park
1,2,
Du Hyeong Lee
1,2,
Yun Ju Lee
1,2,
Woo Hyeon Bae
1,2 and
Heui-Soo Kim
2,3,*
1
Department of Integrated Biological Sciences, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
2
Institute of Systems Biology, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
3
Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(3), 3050; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24033050
Submission received: 28 December 2022 / Revised: 30 January 2023 / Accepted: 2 February 2023 / Published: 3 February 2023
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Latest Review Papers in Molecular Genetics and Genomics 2023)
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Abstract

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a class of endogenous RNAs that control gene expression at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. Recent studies have increasingly demonstrated that circRNAs act as novel diagnostic biomarkers and promising therapeutic targets for numerous cancer types by interacting with other non-coding RNAs such as microRNAs (miRNAs). The miRNAs are presented as crucial risk factors and regulatory elements in cancer by regulating the expression of their target genes. Some miRNAs are derived from transposable elements (MDTEs) that can transfer their location to another region of the genome. Genetic interactions between miRNAs and circular RNAs can form complex regulatory networks with various carcinogenic processes that play critical roles in tumorigenesis and cancer progression. This review focuses on the biological regulation of the correlative axis among circular RNAs, miRNAs, and their target genes in various cancer types and suggests the biological importance of MDTEs interacting with oncogenic or tumor-suppressive circRNAs in tumor progression.

1. Introduction

Only 2% of transcribed RNAs in the genome can be translated into proteins, while the remaining 98%, called the non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), cannot be translated [1]. Previous studies have shown that ncRNAs, including long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs), small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs), circular RNAs (circRNAs), piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), rRNA (ribosomal RNA), tRNA and microRNAs (miRNAs), determine the fate of cells as crucial modulators of indispensable biological processes by adjusting their genetic expression at the transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and epigenetic levels [2,3]. The ncRNAs have a direct correlation with each target gene and systematically regulate the expression of target genes through mutual regulation [4,5]. In particular, numerous cancer studies have shown that circRNAs and miRNAs can induce oncogenic phenotypes related to diverse cancer hallmarks through a tightly controlled relationship [6,7].
The miRNAs are endogenously expressed small non-coding RNAs (<200 nucleotides) that are robust candidates for the disease-specific biomarkers with high tissue- or cell-specific expression characteristics [8,9,10]. The biogenesis mechanisms of miRNAs involve several cleavage steps in the nucleus and cytoplasm [11]. The synthesis of miRNAs starts with the transcription of DNA sequences including miRNA coding gene, intronic region and transposable elements, resulting in the formation of stem-loop structured RNAs, called primary miRNAs (pri-miRNAs) [12,13]. The catalytic complex composed of endonuclease, Drosha, and DiGeorge critical region 8 (DGCR8) transforms pri-miRNAs into precursor miRNAs (60–70 nt, pre-miRNAs), which are then exported to the cytoplasm through the exportin-5 protein [14,15]. The ribonuclease dicer forms mature miRNAs that can cause either messenger RNA (mRNA) degradation or translational repression via incorporation into ARGONAUTE 1 protein (AGO1) in the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) [16]. Processed miRNAs suppress the expression of target genes by complementarily binding to the recognition sites, called the “seed region”(5–8 nt) within the 3′ untranslated region (UTR) of messenger RNA (mRNA) at the post-transcriptional level [17,18]. The canonical epigenetic regulation of miRNA proceeds by interaction between miRNA and its target mRNA through a mechanism in which miRNA directly binds to the target mRNA and inhibits mRNA expression. Any change in the levels of certain miRNAs can affect the target gene expression and thus influence cell homeostasis [19,20]. Based on their functional roles in cancer development, there are two major types of miRNAs: oncogenic miRNA (onco-miR) and tumor-suppressive miRNA (tumor-suppressive miRs). These miRNAs form a regulatory axis under the control of oncogenic or tumor-suppressive circRNAs. From the oncogenetic perspective, circRNAs are closely related to multiple oncogenic biological pathways that lead to multiple types of cancer by competitively binding to onco-miRs or tumor-suppressive miRs [21,22,23].
Additionally, most miRNAs overlap with the introns and exons of coding genes and are less frequently derived from sequences of transposable elements that can relocate their position to the other regions of the genome [24,25]. Dysregulation of miRNA derived from transposable element (MDTE)s’ expression leads to the development of several types of cancer [26,27]. Even though the core role of miRNAs containing MDTEs is to perform post-transcriptional gene regulation, there is also an increasing interest in their biofunction as interactions with other non-coding RNAs in their regulatory network, which has refined our understanding of RNA biology.
The circRNAs are completely closed formed endogenous RNAs. Recent studies have shown that circRNAs are crucial modulatory factors of miRNAs, including MDTEs, through their biofunction as miRNA sponges to proficiently subtract miRNAs and proteins [24,28]. Advancements in high-throughput sequencing techniques have revealed that circRNAs are stable, abundant, and highly conserved across species [29]. Aberrantly expressed circRNAs in a tissue-specific manner have a distinct association with carcinogenesis via perturbation of cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis processes [30,31]. The circRNA contributes to the creation of a microenvironment by forming a complex network with miRNAs, their target genes, and transgenic genes that are regulated by related signaling cascades. Based on their biogenetic patterns, circRNAs can be separated into exonic circRNAs, intronic RNAs, and exon-intron circRNAs (EIcircRNA) [32,33]. These circRNAs are produced by diverse synthetic mechanisms: (1) direct back-splicing [34] (2) intron-pairing-driven circularization [35] (3) exon skipping [36] (4) branching-resistant intron lariat [37]. A general schematic illustration of circRNA biogenesis is shown in Figure 1.
Although previous studies on the roles of the circRNA-MDTE axis in cancer are still limited, several research teams have conducted the expression profiles and advanced analysis of circRNA-miRNA regulatory networks in numerous cancer types. The aim of this review is to summarize the recent studies on circRNAs, including their biogenesis, function, and pathological relevance, through interactions with several miRNAs in cancer. Next, we discuss the biological importance of the regulatory axis composed of circRNAs, miRNAs, and target mRNA in tumorigenesis. Especially, we suggest a biological connection between transposable elements and circRNAs by introducing some MDTEs which have a close association with the onset and development of various cancer types.

2. Tumorigenic Regulation of Circular RNA–miRNA Axis in Five Major Mortality Cancers

Although only a few functions have been revealed thus far, many studies have identified that circRNAs are related to a wide range of cellular processes as major regulators of oncogenic factors (Figure 2). Some circRNAs localized in the nucleus could function as regulators of alternative splicing (Figure 2A) [38]. The generation of circRNAs produced by an exon-skipping mechanism directly affects alternative splicing of the originated gene and indirectly affects alternative splicing events of several genes by regulating the expression or activities of various splicing-related factors [39,40,41]. Furthermore, nucleic circRNAs have also been demonstrated to modulate gene expression at the transcriptional level by combining with U1 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (U1 snRNP), which can promote the activity of the RNA polymerase II (Pol II) complex or recruit methyl-cytosine dioxygenase TET1 to the promoter region (Figure 2B) [42,43,44].
Owing to the deficiency of polyadenylated tails, 5′-3′ polarity and internal ribosome entry sites, circRNAs were generally defined as a kind of endogenous non-coding RNA molecules that could not be translated into proteins. However, some recent studies have also identified that they can be expressed into protein fragments via the rolling circle translation mechanism [45,46,47] (Figure 2C). The protein isoform formed by circRNAs would have unique parts of polypeptides for the isoform encoded by the specific sequences that are only of the circRNAs as well as common parts with the linearly encoded protein [48]. This suggests that the novel reading frames generated from circRNAs would expand the range of protein isoforms in cells [49]. Since the majority of the identified circRNAs are located in the cytoplasm, the most notable function of circRNAs is their activity as sponges for several cytoplasmic components [50,51]. Some cytoplasmic circRNAs can serve as sponges for RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) and then separate them from their targets or control the activity/stability of RBPs by forming RNA-protein complexes (RPCs). These RPCs could exert mutual effects with their linear RNA counterparts [52,53]. Indeed, other cytoplasmic circRNAs also act as protein scaffolds that enhance the reaction kinetics of certain enzymes and their substrates by inducing their colocalization (Figure 2D) [54,55].
In particular, multiple studies have proven that a number of circRNAs and mRNAs can compete for binding to the target miRNAs to build competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory networks [56,57]. When miRNAs competitively bind to mRNAs, their translation is inhibited. In contrast, when circRNAs that possess miRNA recognition elements (MREs) bind to miRNAs, the activity of miRNAs is inhibited and the expression of mRNAs increases through interaction with miRNA-Ago2 complexes, called a “miRNA sponge mechanism” (Figure 2E) [58,59]. Furthermore, some circRNAs have a superior miRNA-binding ability compared to the other miRNA sponges, referred to as “super sponges” [60]. According to previous studies, the expressed level of miRNA is mostly regulated by direct binding of circRNA (miRNA sponge mechanism). In other words, the general function of miRNA, ‘suppression of mRNA expression’, is prevented by the circRNA regulatory mechanism (miRNA sponge), resulting in increased mRNA expression. Abnormal expression of miRNAs has also been reported in numerous malignancies, inducing alterations in biological pathways associated with cancer hallmarks [61]. Specific examples of circRNAs that control cancer-related miRNAs in the five major cancer-related mortalities over the last five years are summarized in Table 1. Based on the previous studies, circRNAs could be presented as promising cancer biomarkers for early diagnosis and efficient remedial targets for cancer therapy.

2.1. Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is one of the most prevalent cancer types worldwide, with the highest mortality rate (18% of the total cancer-related deaths) for both sexes, according to the global cancer report of 2020 [62]. In lung cancer progression, some circRNAs are known to form complex biological regulatory networks by simultaneously controlling multiple target genes. For example, oncogenic circ_103809 acts as a sponge for miR-4302 and is involved in lung cancer cell proliferation and invasion in vitro and delayed tumor growth in vivo. Knockdown of miR-4302 promotes the expression of ZNF121 and consequently enhances ZNF121-dependent MYC expression [63]. Similarly, circ_HIPK3 has been known as a crucial oncogenic regulator in several cancer pathologies by suppressing two miRNAs, miR-124 and miR-149. The downregulation of miR-124 by circ_HIPK3 can promote cancer cell survival and proliferation by inducing the overexpression of its target genes, such as SphK1, STAT3, and CDK4 [64]. Moreover, circ_HIPK3 can control the proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis of lung cancer cells by binding miR-149-mediated FOXM1 expression [65].
In addition to carcinogenesis, some circRNAs are closely associated with therapeutic plans and poor prognosis of lung cancer. One study showed that patients overexpressing circ_PVT1 exhibited aggressive clinicopathological characteristics and poor prognosis due to circ_PVT1-mediated direct suppression of miR-497 and indirect overexpression of Bcl-2 [66]. Another study also identified that circ_ZNF208 was significantly upregulated in a radioresistant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell line (A549-R11) compared to the normal control cell line (A549). Overexpression of circ_ZNF208 can interact with miR-7-5p and increase the expression of SNCA, which enhances the resistance of NSCLC cells to low linear energy transfer (LET) X-rays, which is not observed in NSCLC cells exposed to high-LET carbon ions [67]. Controversially, the expression of circ_cESRP1 was decreased in chemoresistant small cell lung cancer (SCLC) cell lines. The level of circ_cESRP1 has a positive relationship with drug sensitivity by directly binding to miR-93-5p and enhancing the downstream targets Smad7/p21(CDKN1A). The axis of circ_cESRP1-miR-93-5p-CDKN1A formed a negative feedback loop that controls the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) pathway. Consequently, pathogenic regulations mediate epithelial-mesenchymal transition and alter tumor responsiveness to chemotherapy in SCLC [68]. These circRNAs could be potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for lung cancer treatment.

2.2. Colon Cancer

Colon cancer is a representative aggressive cancer type and the third leading cause of cancer-associated deaths worldwide in both sexes [62]. For an optimistic prognosis and cure of all types of cancers including colon cancer, studies identifying critical candidates as diagnostic biomarkers with high specificity and sensitivity are required for early detection. For example, upregulated circ_0001946 in colon cancer was negatively correlated with tumor size, histologic grade, lymphatic metastasis, and TMN stage which is an internationally recognized standard for classifying the extent of spread of cancer. Patients with high circ_0001946 expression are more likely to have a poor prognosis owing to the activation of the miR-135a-5p/ epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) axis [47]. Another study also suggested that the overexpressed circ_0001982 has a positive correlation with distant metastasis and worse survival owing to the negative regulation of microRNA-144 [69]. Additionally, in accordance with a study that performed several bioinformatic analyses, the decreased circ_0140388 (circ_HUWE1) could get significantly involved in lymphovascular invasion (p = 0.036), lymph node metastasis (p = 0.017), distant metastasis (p = 0.024), and TNM stage (p = 0.009), which is an internationally recognized standard for classifying the extent of the spread of a cancer. As a sponge for miR-486, circ_HUWE1 could serve as a potential therapeutic target and diagnostic biomarker for colon cancer [70]. The scientific value of circRNAs as potential biomarkers of colorectal cancer has been demonstrated in numerous studies [71,72,73,74].
Some circRNA studies have revealed that different circRNAs can promote cancer development by controlling the same miRNA. As a representative example, miR-106b acts as a tumorigenic factor in various oncogenic pathways that are commonly inhibited by circ_000984 and circ_0055625. The level of circ_000984 encoded by the CDK6 gene are remarkably enhanced in colorectal cancer tissues and cell lines. As a ceRNA that competitively interacts with miR106b, circ_000984 could efficiently increase the expression of CDK6, thereby promoting a series of malignant phenotypes, such as proliferation, migration, and invasion [75]. Similarly, circ_0055625, one of the highly expressed ceRNAs in colon cancer tissues, is associated with the pathological TNM stage, metastasis by forming canonical regulatory axis with miR-106-5p and ITGB8 [72]. In another example, the miR-199 family is controlled by circ_NSD2 and circ_UBAP in colon cancer pathogenesis. According to the results of transcriptome sequencing, circ_NSD2 has been identified as a liver metastasis-associated circRNA in colon cancer that promotes migration and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. The circ-NSD2 has oncogenic characteristics by inhibiting tumor-suppressive miR-199b, thereby increasing the expression of DDR1 and JAG1, which synergistically facilitates cell–matrix interaction, migration, and metastasis of colorectal cancer cell lines [76]. Additionally, repressed miR-199a, mediated by the overexpression of circ_UBAP2, could induce cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by upregulating VEGFA in colon cancer [77].

2.3. Liver Cancer

Liver cancer, the most common malignant tumor, ranked third in mortality rates in global cancer statistics for 2020 [62]. An increasing number of studies have verified that the aberrant expression of oncogenic circRNAs can affect liver cancer pathologies by binding to multiple target genes. In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a subtype of liver cancer, circ_MET, which is derived from the chromosome 7q21-7q31 region, is an oncogenic marker for the initiation and development of HCC. The tumorigenic axis, miR-30-5p/Snail/ DPP4/CXCL10 axis, is positively involved in the survival and recurrence of HCC by increasing EMT and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment [78]. Through GSE dataset analysis and in vitro experiments, another controlling network with circ_0001955/ miR-516a-5p/ TRAF6 and MAPK11 axis, it has also been reported that circ_0001955 can facilitate HCC tumor growth by sponging miR-516a-5p to boost TRAF6 and MAPK11 expression [79]. Similarly, another study has identified that upregulated circ_Cdr1as can enhance HCC cell proliferation and invasion, by forming an axis with downregulated miR-7 and upregulating its target genes (CCNE1 and PIK3CD) [47].
Based on previous liver cancer research, some tumor-suppressive circRNAs have been shown to have anti-cancer effects by mediating liver tumor growth. One study showed that the expression of circ_5692 at a significantly low level can ameliorate aggressive tumor growth via interaction with miR-328-5p, which was predicted to target the DAB2IP gene [80]. Another similar study identified that the lower expression level of circ_C3P1 can induce advanced TNM stage, tumor size, and invasion in HCC. The biological interaction between circ_C3P1 and miR-464 enhances the expression of PCK1, resulting in tumor-suppressive regulation [81]. Downregulation of circ_HIAT1, also studied in clear cell renal cell carcinoma, promoted poor overall survival rates and cancer cell growth by sponging miR-3171 to increase the expression of PTEN [82].

2.4. Gastric Cancer

Gastric cancer (GC), which has the fourth highest cancer-related mortality rate for both sexes, is a malignant cancer derived from the gastric mucosal epithelium [62,83]. Recent studies have shown that circRNAs can be used as reliable biomarkers and therapeutic targets for gastric cancer. According to expression profiling by circRNA microarray, aberrantly expressed circ_PVRL3 is involved in the onset of GC, a higher TNM stage, and lower survival rates compared to the control. circ_PVRL3 was able to sponge nine miRNAs (miR-203, miR-1272, miR-1283, miR-31, miR-638, miR-496, miR-485-3p, miR-766, and miR-876-3p), which were predicted using binding prediction and annotation analysis [84]. Another microarray dataset analysis revealed that circ0002360-targeted miR-629-3p could enhance cell proliferation and migration, while hindering oxidative stress by upregulating PDLIM4 expression [85].
Circular RNAs are divided into two types: oncogenic and tumor-suppressive circRNAs, depending on the type of effect on cancer development via regulation of specific target miRNAs and multiple target genes. The oncogenic circRNA circ_NHSL1 was positively related to clinicopathological traits and poor prognosis in patients with GC. To relieve the suppressive effect of miR-1306-3p on its target SIX1 gene, circ_NHSL1 functions as an miRNA sponge and promoted SIX1 dependent-vimentin expression linked with cell mobility and invasion [86]. In contrast, as tumor-suppressive CircRNA and downregulated circ_CCDC9 in both GC tissues and cell lines were positively associated with aggravated cancer markers, such as tumor size, lymph node invasion, progressive clinical stage, and overall survival of GC patients. In the circ_CCDC9/ miR-6792-3p/CAV1 regulatory axis, GC progression is suppressed when circ_ CCDC9 and CAV1 are upregulated and miR-6792-3p is downregulated [87]. Considering the results of previous studies, various pathological changes are induced by an imbalance in the expression of oncogenic circRNAs and tumor-suppressive circRNAs in cancer-causing environments.

2.5. Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer type in women worldwide and is developed from the glandular epithelium of the breast [62,88]. Circular RNAs are emerging as sensitive and non-invasive biomarker candidates for the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. For example, circ_0008039 mediates a wide range of cancer development pathways by controlling numerous miRNA targets. Overexpression of circ_0008039 expedites proliferation, migration, and invasion of breast cancer cells by competitively binding to miR-515-5p and CBX4 expression [89]. Additionally, other research has shown that circ_0008039 could also promote the proliferation, cell-cycle progression and migration by serving as a ceRNA of miR-432-5p and elevating E2F3 expression [90].
Furthermore, some studies have revealed that several circRNAs play an oncogenic role by increasing tumorigenic-regulating glycolysis in breast cancer, which is closely correlated with the Warburg effect. For instance, one breast cancer study identified that overexpressed circ_0001982 activates glycolysis and tumor growth by binding to miR-1287-5p, which controls the expression of MUC19 gene under hypoxia [47]. In another study, circRNA microarray sequencing and cell line experiments suggested that circ_RNF20 is upregulated in breast cancer which is related to poor clinical outcomes by inducing proliferation and the Warburg effect (aerobic glycolysis). Functionally, the higher expression of circ_RNF20 increased the level of miR-487a and decreased the level of its target gene, HIF-1α, that binds to the promoter of hexokinase II (HK2) [91].
Moreover, specific circRNAs are closely associated with metastasis in certain tissues. circ_BCBM1, a suppressor of miR-125a, plays an oncogenic role in breast cancer by shortening brain metastasis-free survival in breast cancer patients. According to its overexpression in breast cancer, the function of miR-125a was repressed, which hinders the expression of BRD4, inducing indirect suppression of MMP9 via the Sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathway [92].
Table 1. List of differentially expressed circular RNAs and its target miRNAs in five major mortality cancers in the previous 5 years.
Table 1. List of differentially expressed circular RNAs and its target miRNAs in five major mortality cancers in the previous 5 years.
Cancer TypeCircRNA Symbol
/CircBase ID		Oncogenic
/Tumor-Suppressive		MicroRNATarget Gene Cancer Related Biological/Regulatory ProcessRef.
Lung
cancer		Circ_0000284oncogenic miR-377-3pPD-L1-[47]
Circ_0000376oncogenic miR-1182NOVA2glycolysis, viability, migration, and invasion[93]
Circ_0000677oncogenic miR-106b-5pCCND1proliferation[94]
Circ_0020123oncogenic miR-144ZEB1, EZH2growth and metastasis[95]
Circ_0087862oncogenic miR-1253RAB3Dtumor growth[96]
Circ_BANPoncogenic miR-503LARP1cancer growth, migration and invasion[97]
Circ_MAN2B2oncogenic miR-1275FOXK1cell proliferation and invasion[98]
Circ_PIP5K1Aoncogenic miR-600HIF-1αproliferation and metastasis [99]
Circ_PVT1oncogenic miR-125bE2F2Proliferation and Invasion[100]
Circ_CDR1oncogenic miR-641HOXA9cell stemness[101]
Circ_103809oncogenic miR-4302MYCcell proliferation and invasion[63]
ZNF121
Circ_HIPK3oncogenic miR-124SphK1, STAT3, CDK4cell survival, proliferation, cell death and apoptosis[64]
miR-149FOXM1cell proliferation and apoptosis[65]
Circ_PVT1 oncogenic miR-497Bcl-2aggressive clinicopathological characteristics and poor prognosis[66]
Circ_ZNF208oncogenic miR-7-5pSNCAradio-sensitivity of patients to X-rays [67]
Circ_0046264Tumor-suppressivemiR-1245BRCA2apoptosis, proliferation and invasion [102]
Circ_100395Tumor-suppressive miR-1228TCF21proliferation, migration and invasion[103]
Circ_cESRP1Tumor-suppressivemiR-93-5pCDKN1Asensitivity to chemotherapy [68]
Circ_FOXO3Tumor-suppressivemiR-155FOXO3 cell proliferation, migration and invasion [104]
Colon
cancer		Circ_ERBINoncogenicmiR-125a-5p,
miR-138-5p		4EBP-1growth and metastasis [105]
Circ_0000467oncogenic miR-4766-5pKLF12proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenesis[106]
Circ_0001313oncogenic miR-510-5pAKT2proliferation and apoptosis[71]
Circ_0001946oncogenic miR-135a-5p-proliferation and metastasis[107]
Circ_0001982oncogenic miR-144-metastasis and poor prognosis[69]
Circ_0004277oncogenic miR-512-5pPTMAcell apoptosis and cell proliferation[108]
Circ_0005963oncogenic miR-122PKM2chemoresistance[109]
Circ_0007843oncogenic mIR-518c-5pMMP2migration and invasion [110]
Circ_000984oncogenic miR-106bCDK6cancer growth and metastasis[75]
Circ_0053277oncogenic miR-2467-3pMMP14 cell proliferation, migration, and EMT [111]
Circ_0055625oncogenic miR-106b-5pITGB8cell growth[72]
Circ_0060745oncogenic miR-4736 CSE1Lproliferation and metastasis[112]
Circ_CTNNA1oncogenic miR-149-5pFOXM1proliferation and invasion [113]
Circ_HIPK3oncogenic miR-7c-Myb cancer growth and metastasis[114]
Circ_HUWE1oncogenic miR-486-cell proliferation, migration and invasion[70]
Circ_NSD2oncogenic miR-199b-5pDDR1, JAG1migration and metastasis[76]
Circ_PRMT5oncogenic miR-377E2F3proliferation[115]
Circ_PTK2oncogenic miR-136-5pYTHDF1proliferation, migration, invasion and chemoresistance[116]
Circ_UBAP2oncogenic miR-199aVEGFAcell proliferation, migration, and invasion[77]
Circ_ACAP2Tumor-suppressivemiR-21-5pTiam1proliferation, migration, and invasion[117]
Liver
cancer		Circ_0003141 oncogenicmiR-1827UBAP2proliferation and invasion[118]
Circ_0056836oncogenicmiR-766-3pFOSL2cell migration, proliferation and invasion[119]
Circ_0061395oncogenicmiR-877-5pPIK3R3proliferation, invasion, and migration [120]
Circ_FBLIM1oncogenicmiR-346FBLIM1cell proliferation, apoptosis and invasion[121]
Circ_MAST1oncogenicmiR-1299CTNND1cell proliferation and migration[122]
Circ_METoncogenicmiR-30-5pSnail, DPP4, CXCL10epithelial to mesenchymal transition[78]
Circ_ZNF566oncogenicmiR-4738-3pTDO2cell migration, invasion, and proliferation[123]
circ_0000673oncogenic miR-767-3pSETcell proliferation and invasion[124]
Circ_0001955 oncogenic miR-516a-5pTRAF6, MAPK11tumor growth[79]
Circ_0016788oncogenic miR-486CDK4proliferation, invasion and apoptosis[125]
Circ_0067934oncogenic miR-1324FZD5proliferation, migration and invasion [126]
Circ_103809oncogenic miR-377-3pFGFR1 proliferation, cycle progression and migration[127]
Circ_104348oncogenic miR-187-3pRTKN2proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis[128]
Circ_Cdr1asoncogenic miR-7CCNE1, PIK3CDproliferation and invasion[129]
Circ_GFRA1oncogenic miR-498NAP1L3growth and invasion[130]
Circ_HIPK3oncogenic miR-124AQP3cell proliferation and migration[131]
Circ_MAT2Boncogenic miR-338-3pPKM2 glycolysis[132]
Circ_5692Tumor-suppressivemiR-328-5pDAB2IPtumor growth [80]
Circ_C3P1Tumor-suppressivemiR-4641PCK1tumor growth and metastasis[81]
Circ_HIAT1 Tumor-suppressivemiR-3171PTENcell growth[82]
Gastric
cancer		 ciRS-133oncogenic miR-133PRDM16white adipose browning[133]
Circ_0006282oncogenic miR-155FBXO22cell growth, proliferation and metastasis [134]
Circ_0008035oncogenic miR-375YBX1proliferation and invasion [135]
Circ_0002360oncogenicmiR-629-3pPDLIM4proliferation, invasion and oxidative stress[85]
Circ_AKT3oncogenic miR-198PIK3R1DNA damage repair and apoptosis[136]
Circ_CACTIN oncogenic miR-331-3pTGFBR1tumor growth and EMT[137]
Circ_DLG1oncogenic miR-141-3pCXCL12proliferation, migration, invasion and immune evasion [138]
Circ_MTO1oncogenic miR-199a-3pPAWRtumor growth, apoptosis, invasion and migration[139]
Circ_NHSL1 oncogenic miR-1306-3pSIX1, vimentincell mobility, invasion and metastasis.[86]
Circ_NRIP1 oncogenic miR-149-5pAKT1proliferation, migration and invasion[140]
Circ_PDSS1oncogenic miR-186-5pNEK2cell cycle and apoptosis [141]
Circ_PVRL3oncogenic miR-203, miR-1272, miR-1283, miR-31, miR-638, miR-496, miR-485-3p, miR-766, and miR-876-3p-proliferation and migration[84]
Circ_0000039oncogenicmiR-1292-5pDEKproliferation, migration and invasion[142]
Circ_RanGAP1 oncogenic miR-877–3pVEGFAinvasion and metastasis[143]
ciRS-7 oncogenicmiR-7 PTEN, PI3Kpoor survival rate[144]
Circ_0026344 Tumor-suppressivemiR-590-5pPDCD4cell proliferation, migration and invasion [145]
Circ_CCDC9Tumor-suppressivemiR-6792-3pCAV1tumor size, lymph node invasion, advanced clinical stage and survival rate[87]
Circ_LARP4Tumor-suppressivemiR-424-5p LATS1cell proliferation and invasion[146]
Circ_MCTP2Tumor-suppressivemiR-99a-5pMTMR3proliferation while promoting apoptosis of CDDP-resistant GC cells [147]
Circ_PSMC3Tumor-suppressivemiR-296-5p-the proliferation and metastasis [148]
Breast
cancer		Circ_0001982oncogenic miR-1287-5pMUC19glycolysis, proliferation, migration, and invasion[149]
Circ_0001429oncogenic miR-205KDM4Ametastasis[150]
Circ_0005230oncogenic miR-618CBX8prognostic predictor[151]
Circ_0008039oncogenic miR-515-5pCBX4proliferation, migration and invasion[89]
Circ_0008039oncogenic miR-432-5pE2F3proliferation, cell-cycle progression and migration[90]
Circ_0136666oncogenic miR-1299CDK6proliferation, migration and invasion[152]
Circ_100219oncogenic miR-485-3pNTRK3proliferation and migration[153]
Circ_ANKS1Boncogenic miR-148a-3p,
miR-152-3p		USF1metastasis[154]
Circ_BCBM1 oncogenic miR-125aBRD4breast cancer brain metastasis[92]
Circ_CERoncogenic miR-136MMP13cell proliferation and migration[155]
Circ_FOXK2oncogenic miR-370IGF2BP3migration and invasion[156]
Circ_MYO9Boncogenic miR-4316FOXP4cell proliferation and invasion[157]
Circ_PLK1oncogenic miR-4500IGF1cell proliferation, migration and invasion[158]
Circ_RHOT1oncogenic miR-106a-5pSTAT3malignant progression and ferroptosis[159]
Circ_RNF20oncogenic miR-487aHIF-1αproliferation, Warburg effect[91]
Circ_RPPH1oncogenic miR-556-5pYAP1proliferation, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis[160]
Circ_HIPK3oncogenic miR-193aHMGB1, PI3K, AKTcell proliferation and invasion[161]
Circ_0000442 Tumor-suppressivemiR-148b-3pPTENtumor growth[162]
Circ_CCDC85A Tumor-suppressivemiR-550a-5pMOB1Aproliferation, migration and invasion[163]

3. MDTEs Regulated by Oncogenic CircRNAs and Tumor-Suppressive circ RNAs in Various Cancers

Recent studies have also identified that many of these miRNAs are derived from transposable elements (known as MDTEs) and function as crucial tumorigenic factors in cancer development. Numerous MDTEs induce carcinogenesis by directly or indirectly interacting with cancer-related genes. One research study has shown that the upregulated miR-1269 derived from LTR elements could constrain the expression of RASSF9, which is closely concerned with the AKT and Bax/Bcl-2 signaling pathway, resulting in GC progression [164]. In contrast, other studies have identified that miR-1273g originating from the short interspersed nuclear element (SINE) acts as a tumor-suppressor miR in colon cancer by promoting MAGEA3/6 and inhibiting AMPKα1 [165]. Similarly, miR-1246 generated from LTR element sequences can function as a inhibitor of cell invasion and EMT processes by targeting CXCR4, thereby blocking the JAK/STAT and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways in lung cancer cells [166]. Furthermore, MDTEs are known to contribute to tumorigenesis through biological associations with non-coding RNAs such as circRNAs. The list of MDTEs regulated by oncogenic or tumor-suppressive circRNAs is summarized in Table 2.

3.1. MDTEs That Play a Common Role in Various Types of Cancer

According to previous reports, some miRNAs originating from transposons can act as communal controllers in numerous cancers. For example, miR-326 is derived from DNA transposon, a type of transposable element. Downregulated miR-326 by oncogenic circRNAs had a close association with tumerigenic progresses in lung cancer, liver cancer and breast cancer. In lung cancer, increased circ_0003998 and circ_POLA2 regulate cell proliferation and invasion, resulting in a poor survival rate in lung cancer patients relying on miR-326, which suppresses its target genes, Notch1 and GNB1. These circRNAs may serve as novel therapeutic targets for patients with lung cancer. [167,168]. Liver cancer studies have also identified that relatively overexpressed circ_0000517 is involved in cancer cell viability, colony formation, migration, invasion, and glycolysis via modulation of miR-326 and the target gene IGF1R [169]. Furthermore, the expressed level of miR-326 is inhibited by circ_0061825, also known as circ_TFF1, resulting in the overexpression of the TFF1 gene in breast cancer. These regulations can induce breast cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT in vitro and regulate tumor growth in vivo [170]. In another representative case, miR-637, derived from long interspersed nuclear element (LINE), regulates cell cancer growth and metastasis by directly binding to several oncogenic circRNAs. As a tumorigenic ceRNA, circ-0000284 stimulates carcinogenic processes related to cholangiocarcinoma progression by directly binding miR-637. Moreover, circ-0000284 transferred to adjacent normal cells is also adjusted for general biological functions [171]. In addition, other studies have shown that the significantly increased expression of circ_HIPK3 may play an oncogenic role in GC. In accordance with experimental and bioinformatic analyses, circ_HIPK3 could form a controlling axis with miR-637 and its direct target gene AKT1 [172]. A related study on circ_HIPK3 also demonstrated that cytoplasmic circ_HIPK3 could bind to its downstream target, HDAC4 in osteosarcoma. As a result of this research, the circHIPK3/miR-637/HDAC4 axis could control the proliferation, migration, and invasion of osteosarcoma cells [173]. Conversely, miR-421 created from LINE (L2) has been fine-tuned by numerous tumor-suppressive circRNAs. In liver cancer, circ_SETD3 (hsa_circRNA_0000567, also known as hsa_circRNA_101436) acts as a miR-421 sponge for tumor suppression. Dysregulated expression of circ_SETD3 and miR-421 was predicted to be a risk factor for poor prognosis and a larger tumor size. In a related study, circ_SETD3 induced G1/S arrest via coupling with miR-421 and MAPK14 in a liver cancer cell line [174]. Another study showed that miR-421 is positively associated with triple-negative breast cancer, an aggressive subtype of breast cancer, through its connection with circ_AHNAK1. Downregulated circ_AHNAK1 has been shown to restrict its tumor-suppressive function in breast cancer, which modulates the expression of oncogenic miR-421 and its target gene RASA1 [175].

3.2. MDTEs That Play Diverse Roles Depending on Regulation of Specific CircRNAs in Several Cancers

Some MDTEs can control tumorigenic or tumor-suppressive biological processes in various cancers, depending on their direct interactions with specific circRNAs. In regulatory networks composed of circRNA, MDTE, and its target genes, MDTEs act as vital modulators in cancer progression. Reportedly, miR-224 generated from DNA transposon sequences regulates oncogenic or tumor-suppressive circRNAs in gastric and bladder cancers. In bladder cancer, miR-224 is controlled by combining with the tumor-suppressive circRNA, circ_ITCH, which suppresses the expression of miR-17 and miR-224 and upregulates its target genes p21 and PTEN. Downregulated circ_ITCH was associated with a poor survival rate by inducing proliferation, migration, invasion, and metastasis of bladder cancer cells [176]. Similarly, miR-224 was positively upregulated and suppressed its target genes containing cyclin D1, CDK6, MMP-2 and MMP-9 by the low level of tumor-suppressive circ_0000096 in GC [177]. In contrast, overexpression of oncogenic circRNA circ_ LDLRAD3 controlled cell growth, migration, invasion, and apoptosis in GC by directly suppressing the expression of miR-224 and increasing the expression of the downstream target gene NRP2 [178]. Other studies have also revealed that miR-330, originating from SINE sequences, has a direct connection with tumor-suppressive circ_0078767 and oncogenic circ-ZKSCAN1 in NSCLC. In a bioinformatic analysis, circ_0078767 and the target genes of miR-330 and RASSF1A were downregulated, whereas miR-330 was upregulated compared to adjacent normal tissue. These alterations can suppress NSCLC cell viability, cell cycle progression, and invasion, and promote cell apoptosis [179]. In contrast, overexpressed circ-ZKSCAN1 can function as an miRNA sponge of miR-330-5p to increase the expression of FAM83A, thereby promoting the inhibition of the MAPK signal transduction pathway. The feedback loop among oncogenic circRNAs, circ-ZKSCAN1, miR-330-5p, and FAM83A is closely related to malignant characteristics, such as poor prognosis, larger tumor size, and advanced clinical stage [180]. Moreover, recent studies have identified that the level of miR-330 can be inhibited by the same circRNA, circ-FARSA, in different types of cancer. Upregulated circ-FARSA enhances the proliferation, migration, and invasion of colon cancer cells by sponging miR-330-5p. Its upregulation attenuates the inhibitory effects of miR-330-5p on cell proliferation and metastasis by increasing LASP1 expression [181]. In bladder cancer, circ_FARSA can also act as an oncogenic circRNA contributing to cancer hallmarks, including cell proliferation, invasion, apoptosis, and migration. miR-330-5p is directly suppressed by circ_ FARSA and inhibits its activity as a regulator of target gene [182].
Table 2. List of miRNAs derived from transposable element (MDTEs) regulated by oncogenic and tumor-suppressive circular RNAs and its dysregulated target genes in various cancer types.
Table 2. List of miRNAs derived from transposable element (MDTEs) regulated by oncogenic and tumor-suppressive circular RNAs and its dysregulated target genes in various cancer types.
Type of Circular RNACancer TypeCircRNA Symbol
/CircBase ID		MicroRNASubclassSuper
Family		Target GeneCancer-Related
Regulatory Process		Ref.
Oncogenic
circular RNA		Bladder cancerCirc_FARSAmiR-330-5pSINEMIR-cell proliferation, invasion, apoptosis and migration[182]
Breast cancerCirc_0007255miR-335-5pSINEMIRSIX2inhibition of oxygen consumption, colony formation, cell migration and invasion[183]
Circ_0061825
(circ-TFF1)		miR-326DNA transposonhAT-Tip100TFF1cell proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT[170]
Circ_ABCB10miR-1271LINEL2-proliferation and apoptosis[184]
Cervical cancerCirc_0067934miR-545LINEL2EIF3Cproliferation, colony formation, migration, invasion and EMT[185]
Circ_0141539 (Circ_8924)miR-518d-5pLINERTE-BovBCBX8cell proliferation, migration and invasion[186]
CholangiocarcinomaCirc_0000284miR-637LINEL1-migration, invasion and proliferation[171]
Chronic lymphocytic leukemiaCirc_CBFBmiR-607SINEMIRFZD3proliferation and apoptosis[187]
Colon cancerCirc_PIP5K1AmiR-1273aSINEAluAP-1, IRF-4, CDX-2, Zic-1cell viability, cell invasion and migration[188]
Circ_FARSAmiR-330-5pSINEMIRLASP1cell growth[181]
Circ_ALG1miR-342-5pSINEtRNA-RTEPGFmetastasis[189]
Circ_102958miR-585LTRERVL-MaLRCDC25Bgrowth, migration and invasion[190]
GliomaCirc_0001982miR-1205SINEMIRE2F1cell proliferation, migration, invasion and cell cycle progression[191]
Circ_0034642miR-1205SINEMIRBATF3cell proliferation and invasion[192]
Liver cancerCirc_0000517miR-326DNA transposonhAT-Tip100IGF1Rcell viability, colony formation, migration, invasion and glycolysis[169]
Circ_G004213miR-513b-5pDNA transposonhAT-Tip100PRPF39cisplatin sensitivity and prognosis[193]
Circ_ 001306miR-584-5pDNA transposonhAT-BlackjackCDK16cell proliferation and growth[194]
Circ_ 104075miR-582-3pLINECR1HNF4aYAP-dependent tumorigenesis[195]
Lung cancerCirc_ FOXM1miR-1304-5pSINEAluPPDPF, MACC1proliferation and invasion[196]
Circ_ ZKSCAN1miR-330-5pSINEMIRFAM83Atumor growth[180]
Circ_ 0004015miR-1183LINEL2PDPK1proliferation, invasion, TKI drug resistance[197]
Circ_ 0014130miR-493-5pLINEL2--[198]
Circ_ POLA2miR-326DNA transposonhAT-Tip100GNB1cell stemness and progression[168]
Circ_ 0003998miR-326DNA transposonhAT-Tip100Notch1cell proliferation and invasion[167]
OsteosarcomaCirc_ HIPK3miR-637LINEL1HDAC4proliferation and migration and invasion[173]
Papillary thyroid cancerCirc_ ZFRmiR-1261DNA transposonTcMar-TiggerC8orf4cell proliferation and invasion[199]
Stomach cancerCirc-LDLRAD3miR-224-5pDNA transposonDNA transposon-cell growth, migration invasion and apoptosis[178]
Circ_HIPK3miR-637LINEL1AKT1cell growth and metastasis[172]
Circ_ATXN7miR-4319SINEMIRENTPD4proliferation, invasion and apoptosis[200]
Circ_0008287miR-548c-3pDNA transposonTcMar-MarinerCLIC1immune escape of cancer cell[201]
Tumor-
Suppressive
circular RNA		Bladder cancerCirc_ITCHmiR-224DNA transposonDNA transposonp21, PTENcell proliferation, migration, invasion and metastasis[176]
Circ_HIPK3miR-558LTRERVL-MaLRHPSEmigration, invasion, and angiogenesis[202]
Breast cancerCirc_AHNAK1miR-421LINEL2RASA1proliferation and metastasis[175]
Colon cancerCirc_SMARCA5miR-552LINEL1-growth, migration and invasion[203]
Liver cancerCirc_SETD3 (circ_0000567)miR-421LINEL2MAPK14tumor cell growth[174]
Lung cancerCirc_0078767miR-330-5pSINEMIRRASSF1Acancer cell viability, cell cycle progression and invasion[179]
Circ_0007059miR-378SINEMIRp53, CyclinD1, Bax, Cleaved-Caspase-3, E-cadherin, Vimentin, Twist, Zeb1proliferation and EMT[204]
OsteosarcomaCirc_0002052miR-1205SINEMIRAPC2cell proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis[205]
Stomach cancerCirc_FAT1(e2)miR-548gDNA transposonTcMar-MarinerYBX1cell proliferation, migration and invasion[206]
Circ_ZFRmiR-130aLINERTE-BovBPTENcell proliferation and apoptosis[207]
Circ_0000096miR-224DNA transposonDNA transposoncyclin D1, CDK6, MMP-2, MMP-9cell growth and migration[177]

4. Conclusions

Various cancer studies have revealed that atypical expression levels of miRNAs are closely associated with the development and progression of cancer. Among them, some miRNAs originate from transposble elements that can change their location in the genome and provide biological diversity, including the occurrence of numerous diseases. circRNAs are crucial suppressors of miRNAs, including MDTEs via miRNA sponge mechanisms that combine complementary with activated miRNAs. Under normal cellular conditions, the expression of oncogenic circRNAs is relatively low. Appropriately activated miRNAs suppress the translation of oncogenic target genes to sustain biological homeostasis. Conversely, the upregulated oncogenic circRNAs in the cancer environment can result in the inhibition of miRNA activity by inducing a miRNA-suppressive mechanism. The tumorigenic imbalance of the circRNA-miRNA axis abnormally increases the expression of oncogenic target genes, leading to several cancer pathologies (Figure 3). That is, the negative regulatory axis can adjust the expression of oncogenes in several tumorigenic signaling pathways as a major controlling factor. Despite their pathological importance, only a few studies have investigated the close regulatory relationship between circRNAs and miRNAs, especially MDTEs. The complete molecular mechanisms underlying the interplay between circRNAs and MDTEs in cancer need to be elucidated. In-depth studies of the circRNA-MDTE axis in tumorigenic status are needed to provide innovative perspectives of new actionable metabolic pathways for cancer treatment and a fundamental understanding of the complexity of central regulatory elements that form the oncogenic axis.

Author Contributions

For Conceptualization, H.-S.K. and W.R.K.; Writing the original draft, W.R.K.; Review and Editing: E.G.P., D.H.L., Y.J.L. and W.H.B. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

This study received no external funding.

Institutional Review Board Statement

Not applicable.

Informed Consent Statement

Not applicable.

Data Availability Statement

Not applicable.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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Ijms 24 03050 g001
Figure 1. Biosynthetic mechanisms of circular RNAs. Circular RNAs are produced via several induction mechanisms: (A) direct back-splicing, (B) intron-pairing-driven circularization, (C) exon skipping, and (D) debranching-resistant intron lariat. EIcircRNA; Exon-intron circRNA.
Figure 1. Biosynthetic mechanisms of circular RNAs. Circular RNAs are produced via several induction mechanisms: (A) direct back-splicing, (B) intron-pairing-driven circularization, (C) exon skipping, and (D) debranching-resistant intron lariat. EIcircRNA; Exon-intron circRNA.
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Figure 2. Regulatory processes that involve circular RNAs at the molecular level. Circular RNAs act as significant regulators by interacting with several components that control the vital biological processes, such as: (A) Regulation of alternative splicing, (B) Regulation of transcription, (C) Protein translation, (D) RBPs sponge/scaffold (E) miRNA sponge. pol 2, RNA polymerase 2; RBP, RNA-binding protein; AGO, argonaute protein.
Figure 2. Regulatory processes that involve circular RNAs at the molecular level. Circular RNAs act as significant regulators by interacting with several components that control the vital biological processes, such as: (A) Regulation of alternative splicing, (B) Regulation of transcription, (C) Protein translation, (D) RBPs sponge/scaffold (E) miRNA sponge. pol 2, RNA polymerase 2; RBP, RNA-binding protein; AGO, argonaute protein.
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Figure 3. Impact of correlation between oncogenic circular RNA and miRNA in cancer.
Figure 3. Impact of correlation between oncogenic circular RNA and miRNA in cancer.
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Kim, W.R.; Park, E.G.; Lee, D.H.; Lee, Y.J.; Bae, W.H.; Kim, H.-S. The Tumorigenic Role of Circular RNA-MicroRNA Axis in Cancer. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24, 3050. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24033050

AMA Style

Kim WR, Park EG, Lee DH, Lee YJ, Bae WH, Kim H-S. The Tumorigenic Role of Circular RNA-MicroRNA Axis in Cancer. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2023; 24(3):3050. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24033050

Chicago/Turabian Style

Kim, Woo Ryung, Eun Gyung Park, Du Hyeong Lee, Yun Ju Lee, Woo Hyeon Bae, and Heui-Soo Kim. 2023. "The Tumorigenic Role of Circular RNA-MicroRNA Axis in Cancer" International Journal of Molecular Sciences 24, no. 3: 3050. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24033050

APA Style

Kim, W. R., Park, E. G., Lee, D. H., Lee, Y. J., Bae, W. H., & Kim, H.-S. (2023). The Tumorigenic Role of Circular RNA-MicroRNA Axis in Cancer. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 24(3), 3050. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24033050

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