circPMS1

circPMS1 is a pro-metastatic circular RNA (circRNA) identified as being upregulated in melanoma. It is generated through the enhanced backsplicing of the linear PMS1 mRNA. Unlike many non-coding RNAs, circPMS1 contains an open reading frame (ORF) and an internal ribosome entry site (IRES), allowing it to be translated into truncated PMS1 proteins (approximately 25kD and 20kD). These truncated proteins are endogenously expressed in melanoma and appear to drive progression and metastasis by enhancing cell migration and invasion. Research conducted at the Moffitt Cancer Center has demonstrated that overexpression of circPMS1 increases lung metastasis in mouse models, suggesting it may serve as a potential therapeutic target or biomarker for advanced melanoma.