The Application of Circular RNA in the Pathogenesis of Breast Cancer

Abstract

Circular RNA (circRNA) is a type of closed-loop noncoding RNA that is highly resistant to exonucleases. Research has shown that circRNA plays a key regulatory role in the occurrence, progression, immune escape and drug resistance of breast cancer (BC). In terms of cell proliferation and apoptosis, circRNA promotes cell proliferation and inhibits apoptosis through sponge adsorption and binding to the binding protein FUBP1. In the regulation of the tumor microenvironment, circRNA carried by exosomes can form an immune-privileged microenvironment; remodel stromal fibroblasts and promote stromal hardening; enhance angiogenesis and facilitate metastasis. In terms of drug resistance mechanisms, circRNA relieves the inhibition of EGFR, leading to tamoxifen resistance and relieves the inhibition of ABCB1, enhancing drug efflux and causing paclitaxel resistance. Gene intervention targeting circRNA can significantly improve the efficacy of HER2-targeted therapy and estrogen receptor antagonists, suggesting that it is a potential diagnostic marker and therapeutic target. However, the main bottlenecks remain in specific delivery, in vivo stability and long-term safety. In the future, continuous innovation is needed in precise delivery systems, combined multi-target strategies and standardized detection platforms to realize the clinical value of circRNA in BC precision medicine.