Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 19, 2026

Genome-wide Screen for miRNA Targets Using the MISSION Target ID Library
Published on: April 6, 2012
A circular twist on microRNA regulation.
Marco Bezzi1, Jlenia Guarnerio1, Pier Paolo Pandolfi1
1Cancer Research Institute, Beth Israel Deaconess Cancer Center, Department of Medicine and Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a newly discovered RNA type. A recent study shows the biological relevance of a circRNA in vivo, revealing new insights into their interaction with microRNAs (miRNAs).
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- RNA Biology
Background:
- Circular RNAs (circRNAs) represent a novel class of RNA molecules.
- The physiological functions and biological relevance of circRNAs remain largely unexplored.
- Understanding circRNA functions is crucial for advancing RNA biology and molecular genetics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the biological relevance of a specific circular RNA (circRNA) in an in vivo model.
- To elucidate the crosstalk mechanisms between circRNAs and microRNAs (miRNAs).
Main Methods:
- In vivo experimentation to study circRNA function.
- Analysis of molecular interactions between circRNAs and miRNAs.
Main Results:
- Provided the first in vivo evidence for the biological relevance of a circRNA.
- Unveiled a novel mechanism of crosstalk between circRNAs and miRNAs.
Conclusions:
- Circular RNAs possess demonstrated biological functions in vivo.
- The interaction between circRNAs and miRNAs is more complex than previously understood, opening new avenues for research in RNA regulation.
Related Concept Videos
MicroRNAs
MicroRNAs
Regulation of Expression Occurs at Multiple Steps
Transcription results in the generation of precursor (pre-mRNA) that consists of both exons and introns, which needs further processing before being translated to a...
Regulation of Expression Occurs at Multiple Steps
piRNA - Piwi-interacting RNAs
RNA Interference
This process occurs naturally in cells, often through the activity of genomically-encoded microRNAs. Researchers can take advantage of this mechanism by introducing synthetic RNAs to deactivate specific genes for research or therapeutic purposes. For example, RNAi could be used...

