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Updated: Dec 13, 2025
In Silico Identification and Characterization of circRNAs During Host-Pathogen Interactions
Published on: October 21, 2022
Rapid Development of Targeting circRNAs in Cardiovascular Diseases
Chao Zhang1, Si Tong Huo2, Zhiyong Wu3
1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Science, Southern Medical University and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Single Cell Technology and Application, Guangzhou 510000, Guangdong Province, China; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanhai Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan 510000, Guangdong Province, China; Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada.
Insights
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) show promise as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Exosomal circRNAs offer new opportunities for diagnosing and treating conditions like cardiac fibrosis and ischemic injury.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are covalently linked, single-stranded RNA molecules with tissue-specific expression.
- circRNAs play roles in various physiological and pathological processes.
- Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) represent a significant global health burden.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the emerging role of circRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for CVDs.
- To highlight recent advancements in exosomal circRNAs for CVD diagnosis and treatment.
- To discuss the opportunities and challenges associated with circRNA-based therapies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on circRNAs in cardiovascular research.
- Analysis of circRNA expression patterns in CVD patients.
- Examination of therapeutic interventions involving circRNA manipulation.
Main Results:
- Numerous circRNAs are differentially expressed in various CVDs.
- Modulation of specific circRNAs can ameliorate pathological conditions such as ischemic injury, hypertrophy, and cardiac fibrosis.
- Exosomal circRNAs show potential as non-invasive biomarkers and therapeutic agents.
Conclusions:
- circRNAs are rapidly developing as promising biomarkers and therapeutic targets for CVDs.
- Exosomal circRNAs present unique advantages and challenges for clinical applications.
- Clinical utility of circRNAs in CVD diagnosis and treatment is anticipated in the near future.
Abstract:
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are circularized, single-stranded RNAs that are covalently linked. With their abundance in tissues and developmental stage-specific expression, circRNAs participate in a variety of physiological and pathological processes. In this review, we discuss the development of circRNAs used as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), focusing on recent discoveries and applications of exosomal circRNAs that highlight opportunities and challenges. Some studies have identified a spectrum of circRNAs that are differentially expressed in CVDs, while other studies further manipulated specific circRNA expression and showed an ameliorated pathogenic state such as ischemic injury, hypertrophy, and cardiac fibrosis. Studies and applications of circRNAs are being rapidly developed. We expect to see clinical use of circRNAs as biomarkers and targets for disease treatment in the near future.
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