A new study finds that a circular RNA, circUBAC2, plays a key role in the growth and spread of lung adenocarcinoma. Researchers say it acts as a strong cancer promoter and may serve as both a prognostic marker and a future treatment target.
CircUBAC2 is produced with the help of the protein EIF4A3, and higher EIF4A3 levels lead to more circUBAC2 in tumors. The molecule drives cancer by activating YAP, a major cancer-related protein. It releases YAP from inactive binding and prevents its breakdown, allowing it to enter the nucleus and activate tumor-promoting genes.
This leads to faster tumor growth, increased spread, and metastasis in the lungs, confirmed in animal studies. Patients with higher circUBAC2 levels have more advanced disease and shorter survival. Reducing circUBAC2 or EIF4A3 significantly slows tumor growth, highlighting a promising new treatment approach.