Biogenesis, functions and clinical significance of circRNAs in gastric cancer

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common malignant tumours in the world and has high morbidity and mortality. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a class of non-coding RNAs with covalently linked circular structures. In recent years, plentiful circRNAs have been discovered that participate in many biological processes, including the initiation and development of tumours. Increasing evidences suggest important biological functions of circRNAs, implying that circRNAs may serve as vital new biomarkers and targets for disease diagnosis and prognosis. Among these, circRNAs are tend to aberrantly expressed and are regarded as potential biomarkers in the carcinogenesis and progression of GC. This review systematically summarised the biogenesis, biological properties and functions of circRNAs, with a focus on their relationship with GC, as well as their probable clinical implications on GC. As our cognition of the relation between circRNAs and GC deepens, more molecular mechanisms of GC progression will be discovered, and new therapeutic strategies will be used for the prevention and treatment of GC.