Related Experiment Video

Updated: Dec 23, 2025

Combining Analysis of DNA in a Crude Virion Extraction with the Analysis of RNA from Infected Leaves to Discover New Virus Genomes
08:56

Combining Analysis of DNA in a Crude Virion Extraction with the Analysis of RNA from Infected Leaves to Discover New Virus Genomes

Published on: July 27, 2018

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VirusCircBase: a database of virus circular RNAs

Zena Cai, Yunshi Fan, Zheng Zhang

    Briefings in Bioinformatics
    |April 30, 2020
    PubMed

    Insights

    This study systematically identified thousands of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in 23 viral species, revealing their presence beyond DNA viruses and their potential links to cancer pathways. The findings are cataloged in the new VirusCircBase database.

    Area of Science:

    • Virology
    • Genomics
    • Bioinformatics

    Background:

    • Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are crucial noncoding RNAs in cellular functions and diseases.
    • Previous research identified cancer-related viral circRNAs in double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) viruses, but a comprehensive study was lacking.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To systematically survey and computationally predict viral circRNAs across diverse viral species.
    • To characterize the sequence features, expression patterns, and potential functions of viral circRNAs.
    • To establish the first comprehensive database of viral circRNAs.

    Main Methods:

    • Computational prediction of circRNAs from RNA sequencing data of 23 viral species.
    • Analysis of sequence features, including flanking repeat sequences.
    • Functional enrichment analysis using KEGG pathways.
    • Database construction and curation (VirusCircBase).

    Main Results:

    • Identified 11,924 circRNAs from 23 viral species, including single-stranded RNA and retro-transcribing viruses.
    • Observed reverse complementary or repeated sequences at back-splice sites in most viral circRNAs.
    • Found that viral circRNAs are often species- and tissue-specific.
    • Detected enrichment in cancer-associated KEGG pathways for circRNAs from dsDNA viruses.

    Conclusions:

    • Viral circRNAs are prevalent across various virus types, not limited to dsDNA viruses.
    • Viral circRNAs possess distinct sequence characteristics and specific expression patterns.
    • The identified viral circRNAs, particularly from dsDNA viruses, are implicated in cancer-related pathways.
    • VirusCircBase provides a foundational resource for future research on viral circRNAs and public health implications.
    Keywords:
    RNA-seqbioinformaticscircular RNAvirusvirus–host interaction

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