Breast Cancer: Circular RNAs Mediating Efficacy in Preclinical Models.

In order to identify new targets and treatment modalities for breast cancer, we searched the literature for circular RNAs (circRNAs) with efficacy in preclinical breast cancer-related in vivo models. From our search, we identified 26 up-regulated and six down-regulated circRNAs which mediate efficacy in breast cancer-related preclinical in vivo models. We discuss reconstitution and inhibition of the identified circRNAs, as well as druggability and validation of the targets identified in the context of chemoresistance, inhibition of proliferation and metastasis. Pathways driven by suppressors of cytokines and high-mobility group proteins, nuclear factor B and Hippo signaling emerged as important drivers of tumor growth and metastasis. The role of trefoil factor-1 with respect to metastasis of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer also merits further investigation. In addition, mucin 19 has emerged as an unexplored target for treatment of breast cancer.