PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway modulation by circular RNAs in breast cancer progression

Abstract

The PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway is responsible for many cellular behaviors, including survival, growth, and proliferation. A newly identified RNA, circular RNA (circRNA), plays a crucial role in the regulation of gene expression. The upregulation of the PI3K/Akt pathway through dysregulated circRNAs promotes breast tumor initiation, growth, and progression. The dysregulation of PI3K/Akt-regulating circRNAs seems to be directly correlated with breast cancer clinical features, including overall survival, tumor size, cancer stage, and lymph node metastasis. In addition, targeting these circRNAs may be a promising option in cancer-targeted therapy. Understanding the molecular pathogenesis of the circRNA-PI3K/AKT axis may give the insight to develop new therapeutic and diagnostic approaches for breast cancer therapy. Here we reviewed the expression and functions of PI3K/AKT-regulating circRNAs, and their correlation with breast cancer clinical features. In addition, the potential of PI3K/AKT-regulating circRNAs as diagnostic/prognostic biomarkers or therapeutic targets was discussed.