Circular RNAs as Therapeutic Agents and Targets

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Genomics
• RNA Biology

Background:

• Thousands of covalently linked circular RNAs (circRNAs) are expressed from the human genome.
• circRNAs are generated through a process called backsplicing, a non-erroneous function of the spliceosome.
• circRNAs exhibit high cell-type specificity and possess biologically meaningful functions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the classification, biogenesis, and molecular mechanisms of circRNAs.
• To explore the therapeutic potential of manipulating circRNA abundance, particularly in cardiovascular disease (CVD) animal models.
• To outline challenges and opportunities for future circRNA-based therapeutics.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of circRNA biogenesis and function.
• Analysis of studies manipulating circRNA abundance in vivo.
• Discussion of therapeutic strategies and engineered artificial circRNAs.

Main Results:

• circRNAs are stable molecules with specific cellular functions.
• Manipulating circRNA levels shows therapeutic promise in animal models, especially for CVD.
• Native circRNAs offer stability and effector functions for therapeutic development.

Conclusions:

• circRNAs are promising therapeutic agents and targets due to their stability and specific functions.
• Future research should focus on overcoming challenges in circRNA-based therapy development.
• Engineering artificial circRNAs with designer functions presents new therapeutic avenues.