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Identification of Circular RNAs using RNA Sequencing
08:25

Identification of Circular RNAs using RNA Sequencing

Published on: November 14, 2019

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Translation and functional roles of circular RNAs in human cancer

Ming Lei1,2, Guantao Zheng1,2, Qianqian Ning1,2

  • 1Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.

Molecular Cancer
|February 16, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a novel class of non-coding RNAs with emerging roles in cellular functions. Recent research reveals that circRNAs can be translated into proteins, offering new insights into human cancer mechanisms.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are formed by backsplicing and have diverse biological roles.
  • Recent advances allow for detailed characterization of circRNAs and their functions.
  • CircRNAs function as miRNA sponges, transcriptional regulators, and interact with RNA-binding proteins.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the properties and functions of circRNAs.
  • To explore mechanisms of circRNA translation, including IRES and m6A-mediated initiation.
  • To summarize the role of circRNA-encoded proteins in human cancers.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on circRNA characterization and function.
  • Analysis of proposed mechanisms for cap-independent translation initiation in circRNAs.
  • Compilation of evidence for translated circRNAs in human cancer.

Main Results:

  • Some cytoplasmic circRNAs are translated into functional peptides.
  • Internal Ribosome Entry site (IRES) and m6A modification are potential translation initiation mechanisms.
  • Several translated circRNAs have been identified with significant roles in human cancers.

Conclusions:

  • CircRNA translation reveals a previously hidden human proteome.
  • Understanding circRNA-encoded proteins is crucial for advancing cancer research.
  • Further exploration of circRNA translation is needed to fully grasp their importance in human cancer.
Keywords:
BiomarkerCancerCircular RNAFunctionTranslation

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