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Updated: Feb 15, 2026

Identification of Circular RNAs using RNA Sequencing
Published on: November 14, 2019
Circular RNA expression in ovarian endometriosis
Licong Shen1, Yu Zhang1, Wenjun Zhou1
1Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha Hunan 410008, PR China.
Aim:
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) with miRNA response elements (MREs) could function as competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) in regulating gene expression. This study was carried out to identify the expression profile and role of circRNAs in endometriosis.
Materials & Methods:
Microarray assay was performed in four paired ovarian endometriomas and eutopic endometrium, followed by quantitative real-time RT-PCR in 24 paired samples. Bioinformatical algorithms were used to predict MREs, as well as ceRNA and KEGG pathway analysis.
Results:
We identified 262 upregulated and 291 downregulated circRNAs, binding with 1225 MREs. The ceRNA network included 122 miRNAs and 137 mRNAs, which are involed in nine pathways.
Conclusion:
CircRNAs are differentially expressed in endometriosis, which might be related with pathogenesis of endometriosis.
Insights
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) show altered expression in endometriosis, potentially impacting disease development. These findings highlight circRNAs as key players in endometriosis pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- Circular RNAs (circRNAs) with miRNA response elements (MREs) act as competing RNA (ceRNA) regulators of gene expression.
- Understanding circRNA roles is crucial for endometriosis research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the expression profile of circRNAs in endometriosis.
- To investigate the potential role of circRNAs in endometriosis pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Microarray analysis of ovarian endometriomas and eutopic endometrium.
- Quantitative real-time RT-PCR validation in 24 patient samples.
- Bioinformatic prediction of MREs, ceRNA networks, and KEGG pathways.
Main Results:
- Identified 262 upregulated and 291 downregulated circRNAs in endometriosis.
- Predicted 1225 MREs, a ceRNA network of 122 miRNAs and 137 mRNAs.
- Associated these networks with nine biological pathways.
Conclusions:
- CircRNAs are differentially expressed in endometriosis.
- These dysregulated circRNAs may contribute to the pathogenesis of endometriosis.
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