Circular RNA RAR-related orphan receptor beta (circRORB)

Circular RNA RORβ (circRORB) is a stable, non-coding RNA molecule produced through the back-splicing of the RAR-related orphan receptor beta (RORB) gene. It functions primarily as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA), or molecular sponge, which sequesters specific microRNAs like miR-125a-5p to prevent them from inhibiting their target messenger RNAs (PMID: 32633345). In clinical contexts, circRORB is frequently upregulated in various malignancies, including osteosarcoma and colorectal cancer, where it promotes tumor progression by enhancing cell proliferation, migration, and invasion (PMID: 33063545). Due to its role in driving oncogenic pathways, it is considered a potential therapeutic target for knockdown strategies using antisense oligonucleotides or small interfering RNAs. Additionally, its presence in biofluids and its high stability make it a candidate biomarker for cancer diagnosis and prognosis. However, therapeutic development faces challenges such as ensuring precise delivery and avoiding unintended interactions within the broader RNA regulatory network.

Other names

circRORBhsa_circ_0000520Circular RNA RORBcirc-RORB

Circular RNA RORβ acts as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) by sequestering microRNAs, such as miR-125a-5p, thereby preventing the suppression of downstream oncogenic target genes like E2F3 (PMID: 32633345, PMID: 33063545).