Regulatory mechanisms, functions, and clinical significance of CircRNAs in triple-negative breast cancer

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a new class of endogenous regulatory RNAs characterized by covalently closed cyclic structure lacking poly-adenylated tails, and are capable of regulating gene expression at transcription or post-transcription levels. Recently, plentiful circRNAs have been discovered in breast cancer and some circRNAs expression profiles are specifically involved in the triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). TNBC is a type of malignant tumor defined by the lack of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 expression. Considering its clinical characteristics of high invasion, metastasis, poor prognosis, and lack of effective response to conventional chemotherapies or targeted therapies, it could be a promosing option to discover specific circRNAs as new targets for TNBC treatment. Meanwhile, accumulating evidence has demonstrated that circRNAs are dysregulated in TNBC tissues and are correlated with clinicopathological features and prognosis of TNBC patients. Furthermore, looking for circRNAs with high specificity and sensitivity will provide a new opportunity for the early diagnosis, clinical treatment, and prognosis monitoring of TNBC. Herein, we reviewed the biogenesis, regulatory mechanisms, and biological functions of circRNAs in TNBC and summarized the relationship between circRNAs expression and the clinicopathology, diagnosis, and prognosis of patients with TNBC. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13045-021-01052-y.