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In Silico Identification and Characterization of circRNAs During Host-Pathogen Interactions
Published on: October 21, 2022
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CircRNA accumulation: A new hallmark of aging?
1Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada 89557, United States.
Mechanisms of Ageing and Development
|May 14, 2018
Summary
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) increase with age in the brain. Their high stability may cause accumulation, but their role in brain aging remains unclear.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genomics
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a novel class of RNA molecules originating from back-splicing of exons.
- Genome-wide studies reveal a significant increase in hundreds of circRNAs during organismal aging, particularly in brain tissue.
- The strong correlation between circRNA expression and aging suggests a potential role in the aging process.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review methods for profiling circRNAs and discuss their limitations.
- To explore the hypothesis that age-related circRNA increases are linked to their inherent stability.
- To discuss experimental strategies for investigating the functional impact of circRNA accumulation in the aging brain.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on circRNA profiling techniques.
- Analysis of genome-wide expression data correlating circRNA levels with age.
- Discussion of proposed experimental approaches to determine circRNA function in aging.
Main Results:
- Hundreds of circRNAs show dramatically increased expression during aging across multiple organisms.
- High stability of circRNAs is proposed as a likely reason for their age-related accumulation.
- The precise functions of circRNAs and their impact on brain aging are still largely unknown.
Conclusions:
- Age-related circRNA accumulation is a notable phenomenon, potentially driven by RNA stability.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the functional consequences of circRNA accumulation in the aging brain.
- Experimental studies are crucial to determine if age-accumulated circRNAs are detrimental or protective.
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