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Updated: Dec 6, 2025
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Identification of Circular RNAs using RNA Sequencing
Published on: November 14, 2019
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Circular RNAs in the Brain: A Possible Role in Memory?
Esmi L Zajaczkowski1, Timothy W Bredy1
1Cognitive Neuroepigenetics Laboratory, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
Summary
Circular RNAs, a unique class of stable, brain-enriched RNA molecules, are implicated in neural plasticity. These molecules play a key role in higher-order brain functions like cognition and memory.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Higher-order organisms exhibit complex information processing.
- Regulatory RNAs are crucial for experience-dependent neural plasticity.
- Circular RNAs are a distinct, stable class of RNA enriched in the brain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the role of circular RNAs in neural plasticity.
- To explore the contribution of circular RNAs to cognition and memory.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current evidence on circular RNAs.
- Analysis of the structural and functional properties of circular RNAs.
- Investigation of circular RNA involvement in brain function.
Main Results:
- Circular RNAs are highly stable and abundant in the brain.
- Circular RNAs are functionally active in both health and disease.
- Evidence suggests circular RNAs contribute to higher-order brain functions.
Conclusions:
- Circular RNAs are ancient molecules with significant roles in the brain.
- Further research into circular RNAs could reveal novel insights into cognition and memory.
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