Advances of circular RNAs in thyroid cancer: An overview

Circular RNA (circRNA) is a general term for a type of single-stranded RNAs, they are primarily generated via exon back-splice process in precursor mRNAs (pre-mRNAs). circRNAs refer to an emerging type of endogeneity-correlated closed molecules of RNA in a covalent manner. They mainly function as microRNA sponges, protein brackets, and regulatory element in transcription and splicing process. Recently, it has also starting been noticed that they serve as extraordinary models involved in polypeptides producing process. Although circRNAs have been extensively studied, their function in thyroid carcinoma is still lacking. Thus, we present the latest advances in circRNA research and summarize their fundamental rules of regulating process as well as the mechanism. More importantly, We mainly review the role and mechanism of circRNA in thyroid cancer, which provides an emerging perspective and theoretically supports the treatment of thyroid cancer. [Display omitted] •The incidence of thyroid cancer has been increasing consistently and there are no specific biomarkers for diagnosis yet.•CircRNAs, acting as miRNA sponge, involve in tumor progression via regulation of cell death, metabolism and immune response.•CircRNAs are involved in the occurrence and development of thyroid cancer through PI3K/AKT, Wnt etc. cell signaling Pathways.•CircRNAs have potential as biomarkers for the diagnosis of thyroid cancer.