Fig. 2
From: Circular RNAs: characteristics, biogenesis, mechanisms and functions in liver cancer
Mechanisms underlying circRNA function in HCC. This picture shows how circRNA performs its specific function in the nucleus and cytoplasm. a CircRNAs can regulate the transcription of their target genes. b CircRNAs can act as microRNA sponges to diminish microRNA function and protect target mRNAs from degradation. c CircRNAs can bind RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) to modulate the expression of related genes. d CircRNAs can interact with proteins to affect their structure and activity. e CircRNAs contain internal ribosome entry site (IRES) elements, and AUG sites may serve as templates to encode peptides or proteins