Ferroptosis-associated circular RNAs: Opportunities and challenges in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer

Abstract

Ferroptosis is an emerging form of non-apoptotic regulated cell death which is different from cell death mechanisms such as autophagy, apoptosis and necrosis. It is characterized by iron-dependent lipid peroxide accumulation. Circular RNA (circRNA) is a newly studied evolutionarily conserved type of non-coding RNA with a covalent closed-loop structure. It exhibits universality, conservatism, stability and particularity. At present, the functions that have been studied and found include microRNA sponge, protein scaffold, transcription regulation, translation and production of peptides, etc. CircRNA can be used as a biomarker of tumors and is a hotspot in RNA biology research. Studies have shown that ferroptosis can participate in tumor regulation through the circRNA molecular pathway and then affect cancer progression, which may become a direction of cancer diagnosis and treatment in the future. This paper reviews the molecular biological mechanism of ferroptosis and the role of circular RNA in tumors and summarizes the circRNA related to ferroptosis in tumors, which may inspire research prospects for the precise prevention and treatment of cancer in the future.

Inducing ferroptosis via nanomaterials: a novel and effective route in cancer therapy

“…Additionally, the role of noncoding RNAs and nanomaterials in mediating the ferroptosis process in tumor cells has been highlighted, indicating the potential for future research in this area [182]. Furthermore, the mechanism of ferroptosis and the involvement of circular RNAs in cancer regulation have been discussed, pointing towards future prospects and biological significance in cancer early diagnosis and precision therapy [183]. In conclusion, the future of using nanomaterials for cancer ferroptosis therapy holds great promise, with opportunities for further research and clinical applications.…”