Circular RNAs constitute an inherent gene regulatory axis in the mammalian eye and brain

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (6) ◽  
pp. 463-472 ◽  
Author(s):  
Akash K. George ◽  
Kruyanshi Master ◽  
Avisek Majumder ◽  
Rubens Petit Homme ◽  
Anwesha Laha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Circular Rnas ◽  
Great Promise ◽  
Ribonucleic Acids ◽  
Rna Molecules ◽  
Master Regulators ◽  
Current State ◽  
Gene Regulatory ◽  
Mirna Sponges ◽  
And Function ◽  
The Brain

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are being hailed as a newly rediscovered class of covalently closed transcripts that are produced via alternative, noncanonical pre-mRNA back-splicing events. These single-stranded RNA molecules have been identified in organisms ranging from the worm (Cortés-López et al. 2018. BMC Genomics, 19: 8; Ivanov et al. 2015. Cell Rep. 10: 170–177) to higher eukaryotes (Yang et al. 2017. Cell Res. 27: 626–641) to plants (Li et al. 2017. Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 488: 382–386). At present, research on circRNAs is an active area because of their diverse roles in development, health, and diseases. Partly because their circularity makes them resistant to degradation, they hold great promise as unique biomarkers for ocular and central nervous system (CNS) disorders. We believe that further work on their applications could help in developing them as “first-in-class” diagnostics, therapeutics, and prognostic targets for numerous eye conditions. Interestingly, many circRNAs play key roles in transcriptional regulation by acting as miRNAs sponges, meaning that they serve as master regulators of RNA and protein expression. Since the retina is an extension of the brain and is part of the CNS, we highlight the current state of circRNA biogenesis, properties, and function and we review the crucial roles that they play in the eye and the brain. We also discuss their regulatory roles as miRNA sponges, regulation of their parental genes or linear mRNAs, translation into micropeptides or proteins, and responses to cellular stress. We posit that future advances will provide newer insights into the fields of RNA metabolism in general and diseases of the aging eye and brain in particular. Furthermore, in keeping pace with the rapidly evolving discipline of RNA“omics”-centered metabolism and to achieve uniformity among researchers, we recently introduced the term “cromics” (circular ribonucleic acids based omics) (Singh et al. 2018. Exp. Eye Res. 174: 80–92).

scholarly journals Circular RNAs in gynecological disease: promising biomarkers and diagnostic targets

2019 ◽  
Vol 39 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jie Huang ◽  
Qin Zhou ◽  
Yunyun Li
Keyword(s):  
Structural Stability ◽  
Tissue Specificity ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Evolutionary Conservation ◽  
Circular Rnas ◽  
Regulation Of Transcription ◽  
Rna Molecules ◽  
Gynecological Disease ◽  
Mirna Sponges ◽  
And Function

Abstract Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a category of RNA molecules with covalently closed circles lacking both a 5′ cap and a 3′ tail. In recent years, circRNAs have attracted much attention and become a research hotspot of the RNA field following miRNAs and lncRNAs. CircRNAs exhibit tissue specificity, structural stability, and evolutionary conservation. Although the biological effects of circRNAs are still underestimated, many studies have shown that circRNAs have functions including regulation of transcription, translation into proteins and miRNA sponges. In this review, we briefly described the biogenesis and function of circRNAs and present circular transcripts in gynecological disease.

scholarly journals Global increase in circRNA levels in myotonic dystrophy

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karol Czubak ◽  
Katarzyna Taylor ◽  
Agnieszka Piasecka ◽  
Krzysztof Sobczak ◽  
Katarzyna Kozlowska ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Myotonic Dystrophy ◽  
Digital Pcr ◽  
Circular Rnas ◽  
Splicing Factors ◽  
Rna Molecules ◽  
Experimental Systems ◽  
Muscle Tissues ◽  
Protein Interactome ◽  
Global Increase ◽  
And Function

AbstractSplicing aberrations induced as a consequence of the sequestration of MBNL splicing factors on the DMPK transcript, which contains expanded CUG repeats, present a major pathomechanism of myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1). As MBNLs may also be important factors involved in the biogenesis of circular RNAs (circRNAs), we hypothesized that the level of circRNAs would be decreased in DM1. To test this hypothesis, we selected twenty well-validated circRNAs and analyzed their levels in several experimental systems (e.g., cell lines, DM muscle tissues, and a mouse model of DM1) using droplet digital PCR assays. We also explored the global level of circRNAs using two RNA-Seq datasets of DM1 muscle samples. Contrary to our original hypothesis, our results consistently showed a global increase in circRNA levels in DM1 and we identified numerous circRNAs that were increased in DM1. We also identified many genes (including muscle-specific genes) giving rise to numerous (>10) circRNAs. Thus, this study is the first to show an increase in global circRNA levels in DM1. We also provided preliminary results showing the association of circRNA level with muscle weakness and alternative splicing changes that are biomarkers of DM1 severity.Author SummaryRecently, a great deal of interest has been focused on a new class of RNA molecules called circular RNAs (circRNAs). To date, thousands of circRNAs have been found in different human cells/tissues. Although the function of circRNAs remains mostly unknown, circRNAs have emerged as an important component of the RNA-RNA and RNA-protein interactome. Thus, intensive efforts are being made to fully understand the biology and function of circRNAs, especially their role in human diseases. As an important role in the biogenesis of circRNA may be played by MBNL splicing factors, in this study we used DM1 (to a lesser extent, DM2) as a natural model in which the level of MBNLs is decreased. In contrast to the expected effect, our results consistently showed a global increase in circRNA levels in DM1. As a consequence, whole genome transcriptome analysis revealed dozens of circRNAs with significantly altered (mostly increased) levels in DM1. Furthermore, we observed that the circRNA levels were in many cases strongly associated with DM1 severity.

scholarly journals Insights into the multifaceted role of circular RNAs: implications for Parkinson’s disease pathogenesis and diagnosis

2022 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Epaminondas Doxakis
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Rna Binding ◽  
Rna Binding Proteins ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Alpha Synuclein ◽  
Circular Rnas ◽  
Age Related ◽  
And Function ◽  
The Brain

AbstractParkinson’s disease (PD) is a complex, age-related, neurodegenerative disease whose etiology, pathology, and clinical manifestations remain incompletely understood. As a result, care focuses primarily on symptoms relief. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a large class of mostly noncoding RNAs that accumulate with aging in the brain and are increasingly shown to regulate all aspects of neuronal and glial development and function. They are generated by the spliceosome through the backsplicing of linear RNA. Although their biological role remains largely unknown, they have been shown to regulate transcription and splicing, act as decoys for microRNAs and RNA binding proteins, used as templates for translation, and serve as scaffolding platforms for signaling components. Considering that they are stable, diverse, and detectable in easily accessible biofluids, they are deemed promising biomarkers for diagnosing diseases. CircRNAs are differentially expressed in the brain of patients with PD, and growing evidence suggests that they regulate PD pathogenetic processes. Here, the biogenesis, expression, degradation, and detection of circRNAs, as well as their proposed functions, are reviewed. Thereafter, research linking circRNAs to PD-related processes, including aging, alpha-synuclein dysregulation, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress is highlighted, followed by recent evidence for their use as prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers for PD.

scholarly journals The Regulatory Functions of Circular RNAs in Digestive System Cancers

Cancers ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 770 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiao Yuan ◽  
Ya Yuan ◽  
Zhi He ◽  
Diyan Li ◽  
Bo Zeng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Digestive System ◽  
Rna Binding ◽  
Rna Binding Proteins ◽  
Circular Rna ◽  
Research Progress ◽  
Circular Rnas ◽  
Biological Functions ◽  
Ribonucleic Acids ◽  
Mirna Sponges ◽  
And Biological Markers

Circular ribonucleic acids (circRNAs), which are a type of covalently closed circular RNA, are receiving increasing attention. An increasing amount of evidence suggests that circRNAs are involved in the biogenesis and development of multiple diseases such as digestive system cancers. Dysregulated circRNAs have been found to act as oncogenes or tumour suppressors in digestive system cancers. Moreover, circRNAs are related to ageing and a wide variety of processes in tumour cells, such as cell apoptosis, invasion, migration, and proliferation. Moreover, circRNAs can perform a remarkable multitude of biological functions, such as regulating splicing or transcription, binding RNA-binding proteins to enable function, acting as microRNA (miRNA) sponges, and undergoing translated into proteins. However, in digestive system cancers, circRNAs function mainly as miRNA sponges. Herein, we summarise the latest research progress on biological functions of circRNAs in digestive system cancers. This review serves as a synopsis of potential therapeutic targets and biological markers for digestive system cancer.

scholarly journals MicroRNAs, Long Non-Coding RNAs, and Circular RNAs: Potential Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets in Pheochromocytoma/Paraganglioma

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 1522
Author(s):  
Peter Istvan Turai ◽  
Gábor Nyírő ◽  
Henriett Butz ◽  
Attila Patócs ◽  
Peter Igaz
Keyword(s):  
Expression Profiles ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Tumor Biology ◽  
Metastatic Potential ◽  
Circular Rnas ◽  
Ribonucleic Acids ◽  
Rna Molecules ◽  
Diagnostic Potential ◽  
Non Coding Rna ◽  
Non Coding Rnas

Around 40% of pheochromocytomas/paragangliomas (PPGL) harbor germline mutations, representing the highest heritability among human tumors. All PPGL have metastatic potential, but metastatic PPGL is overall rare. There is no available molecular marker for the metastatic potential of these tumors, and the diagnosis of metastatic PPGL can only be established if metastases are found at “extra-chromaffin” sites. In the era of precision medicine with individually targeted therapies and advanced care of patients, the treatment options for metastatic pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma are still limited. With this review we would like to nurture the idea of the quest for non-coding ribonucleic acids as an area to be further investigated in tumor biology. Non-coding RNA molecules encompassing microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and circular RNAs have been implicated in the pathogenesis of various tumors, and were also proposed as valuable diagnostic, prognostic factors, and even potential treatment targets. Given the fact that the pathogenesis of tumors including pheochromocytomas/paragangliomas is linked to epigenetic dysregulation, it is reasonable to conduct studies related to their epigenetic expression profiles and in this brief review we present a synopsis of currently available findings on the relevance of these molecules in these tumors highlighting their diagnostic potential.

scholarly journals Closing the circle: current state and perspectives of circular RNA databases

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marieke Vromman ◽  
Jo Vandesompele ◽  
Pieter-Jan Volders
Keyword(s):  
Splice Junction ◽  
Circular Rna ◽  
Circular Rnas ◽  
Working Mechanism ◽  
Comprehensive Overview ◽  
Specific Expression ◽  
Protein Coding ◽  
Rna Molecules ◽  
Current State ◽  
Coding Potential

Abstract Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are covalently closed RNA molecules that have been linked to various diseases, including cancer. However, a precise function and working mechanism are lacking for the larger majority. Following many different experimental and computational approaches to identify circRNAs, multiple circRNA databases were developed as well. Unfortunately, there are several major issues with the current circRNA databases, which substantially hamper progression in the field. First, as the overlap in content is limited, a true reference set of circRNAs is lacking. This results from the low abundance and highly specific expression of circRNAs, and varying sequencing methods, data-analysis pipelines, and circRNA detection tools. A second major issue is the use of ambiguous nomenclature. Thus, redundant or even conflicting names for circRNAs across different databases contribute to the reproducibility crisis. Third, circRNA databases, in essence, rely on the position of the circRNA back-splice junction, whereas alternative splicing could result in circRNAs with different length and sequence. To uniquely identify a circRNA molecule, the full circular sequence is required. Fourth, circRNA databases annotate circRNAs’ microRNA binding and protein-coding potential, but these annotations are generally based on presumed circRNA sequences. Finally, several databases are not regularly updated, contain incomplete data or suffer from connectivity issues. In this review, we present a comprehensive overview of the current circRNA databases and their content, features, and usability. In addition to discussing the current issues regarding circRNA databases, we come with important suggestions to streamline further research in this growing field.

scholarly journals MicroRNAs in Cerebral Ischemia

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yang Wang ◽  
Yongting Wang ◽  
Guo-Yuan Yang
Keyword(s):  
Cerebral Ischemia ◽  
Posttranscriptional Regulation ◽  
Noncoding Rna ◽  
Regulation Of Gene Expression ◽  
Pathological Process ◽  
Future Prospects ◽  
Rna Molecules ◽  
And Function ◽  
The Brain

The risk of ischemic stroke increases substantially with age, making it the third leading cause of death and the leading cause of long-term disability in the world. Numerous studies demonstrated that genes, RNAs, and proteins are involved in the occurrence and development of stroke. Current studies found that microRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) are also closely related to the pathological process of stroke. miRNAs are a group of short, noncoding RNA molecules playing important role in posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression and they have emerged as regulators of ischemic preconditioning and ischemic postconditioning. Here we give an overview of the expression and function of miRNAs in the brain, miRNAs as biomarkers during cerebral ischemia, and clinical applications and limitations of miRNAs. Future prospects of miRNAs are also discussed.

scholarly journals Sp1-Mediated circRNA circHipk2 Regulates Myogenesis by Targeting Ribosomal Protein Rpl7

Genes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 696
Author(s):  
Junyu Yan ◽  
Yalan Yang ◽  
Xinhao Fan ◽  
Yijie Tang ◽  
Zhonglin Tang
Keyword(s):  
Ribosomal Protein ◽  
Ribosome Biogenesis ◽  
C2c12 Cells ◽  
Circular Rnas ◽  
Exon 2 ◽  
Rna Molecules ◽  
Assembly Factor ◽  
And Function

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) represent a class of covalently closed single-stranded RNA molecules that are emerging as essential regulators of various biological processes. The circRNA circHipk2 originates from exon 2 of the Hipk2 gene in mice and was reported to be involved in acute promyelocytic leukemia and myocardial injury. However, the functions and mechanisms of circHipk2 in myogenesis are largely unknown. Here, to deepen our knowledge about the role of circHipk2, we studied the expression and function of circHipk2 during skeletal myogenesis. We found that circHipk2 was mostly distributed in the cytoplasm, and dynamically and differentially expressed in various myogenesis systems in vitro and in vivo. Functionally, overexpression of circHipk2 inhibited myoblast proliferation and promoted myotube formation in C2C12 cells, whereas the opposite effects were observed after circHipk2 knockdown. Mechanistically, circHipk2 could directly bind to ribosomal protein Rpl7, an essential 60S preribosomal assembly factor, to inhibit ribosome translation. In addition, we verified that transcription factor Sp1 directly bound to the promoter of circHipk2 and affected the expression of Hipk2 and circHipk2 in C2C12 myoblasts. Collectively, these findings identify circHipk2 as a candidate circRNA regulating ribosome biogenesis and myogenesis proliferation and differentiation.

scholarly journals The Emerging Regulatory Role of Circular RNAs in Periodontal Tissues and Cells

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (9) ◽  
pp. 4636
Author(s):  
Kexin Jiao ◽  
Laurence J. Walsh ◽  
Sašo Ivanovski ◽  
Pingping Han
Keyword(s):  
Rna Binding ◽  
Alveolar Bone ◽  
Circular Rnas ◽  
Rna Molecules ◽  
Periodontal Tissues ◽  
Microbial Dysbiosis ◽  
A Cell ◽  
And Function ◽  
Regulatory Functions

Periodontitis is a chronic complex inflammatory disease associated with a destructive host immune response to microbial dysbiosis, leading to irreversible loss of tooth-supporting tissues. Regeneration of functional periodontal soft (periodontal ligament and gingiva) and hard tissue components (cementum and alveolar bone) to replace lost tissues is the ultimate goal of periodontal treatment, but clinically predictable treatments are lacking. Similarly, the identification of biomarkers that can be used to accurately diagnose periodontitis activity is lacking. A relatively novel category of molecules found in oral tissue, circular RNAs (circRNAs) are single-stranded endogenous, long, non-coding RNA molecules, with covalently circular-closed structures without a 5’ cap and a 3’ tail via non-classic backsplicing. Emerging research indicates that circRNAs are tissue and disease-specific expressed and have crucial regulatory functions in various diseases. CircRNAs can function as microRNA or RNA binding sites or can regulate mRNA. In this review, we explore the biogenesis and function of circRNAs in the context of the emerging role of circRNAs in periodontitis pathogenesis and the differentiation of periodontal cells. CircMAP3K11, circCDK8, circCDR1as, circ_0062491, and circ_0095812 are associated with pathological periodontitis tissues. Furthermore, circRNAs are expressed in periodontal cells in a cell-specific manner. They can function as microRNA sponges and can form circRNA–miRNA–mRNA networks during osteogenic differentiation for periodontal-tissue (or dental pulp)-derived progenitor cells.

scholarly journals Circular RNAs in the Brain: A Possible Role in Memory?

2020 ◽  
pp. 107385842096302
Author(s):  
Esmi L. Zajaczkowski ◽  
Timothy W. Bredy
Keyword(s):  
Neural Plasticity ◽  
Closed Loop ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Higher Order ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Circular Rnas ◽  
Rna Molecules ◽  
Regulatory Rnas ◽  
Higher Order Functions ◽  
The Brain

Higher-order organisms possess information processing capabilities that are only made possible by their biological complexity. Emerging evidence indicates a critical role for regulatory RNAs in coordinating many aspects of cellular function that are directly involved in experience-dependent neural plasticity. Here, we focus on a structurally distinct class of RNAs known as circular RNAs. These closed loop, single-stranded RNA molecules are highly stable, enriched in the brain, and functionally active in both healthy and disease conditions. Current evidence implicating this ancient class of RNA as a contributor toward higher-order functions such as cognition and memory is discussed.

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