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Updated: Nov 3, 2025
Identification of Circular RNAs using RNA Sequencing
Published on: November 14, 2019
Circular RNA circDUS2 Is a Potential Biomarker for Intracranial Aneurysm
Xin Chen1,2,3,4, Shuzhe Yang1,2,3,4, Junhua Yang1,2,3,4
1Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
Insights
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are implicated in diseases. This study identifies circDUS2 as a potential biomarker for intracranial aneurysms, revealing its differential expression in affected tissues.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Genomics
Background:
- Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are increasingly recognized for their roles in various disease pathologies.
- The specific involvement of circRNAs in the development and rupture of intracranial aneurysms remains largely unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the differential expression profiles of circRNAs in intracranial aneurysms compared to superficial temporal arteries.
- To identify potential circRNA biomarkers associated with intracranial aneurysm formation and rupture.
Main Methods:
- CircRNA expression profiling was performed using the Arraystar human circRNAs microarray on samples from superficial temporal arteries (n=5) and intracranial aneurysms (n=5).
- Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was employed to validate the expression levels of specific circRNAs, including circDUS2.
- Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was used to determine the cellular localization of circDUS2 within human brain vascular smooth muscle cells (HBVSMCs).
Main Results:
- A significant number of circRNAs were found to be differentially expressed, with 543 upregulated and 397 downregulated in intracranial aneurysms relative to superficial temporal arteries.
- qRT-PCR confirmed the elevated expression of circDUS2 in intracranial aneurysm tissues.
- FISH analysis localized circDUS2 to the cytoplasm of HBVSMCs, suggesting its potential role in cellular function.
Conclusions:
- This research presents comprehensive circRNA differential expression data between superficial temporal artery and intracranial aneurysm tissues.
- circDUS2 emerges as a promising molecular marker for the diagnosis or understanding of intracranial aneurysms.
Abstract:
Background: CircRNAs have been found to play a crucial role in the pathological process of various kinds of diseases. However, the role of circRNAs in the formation and rupture of intracranial aneurysm is still unknown. Methods: Differentially expressed circRNAs profiles between superficial temporal arteries (n = 5) and intracranial aneurysms (n = 5) were analyzed using the Arraystar human circRNAs microarray. Quantitative real-time PCR was utilized to validate the differential expression of circDUS2. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was meant for the location of circDUS2 in human brain vascular smooth muscle cell (HBVSMC). Structural analysis was used to speculate on the function of circDUS2. Results: Five hundred forty-three upregulated and 397 downregulated significantly in intracranial aneurysm as compared to superficial temporal arteries. Quantitative real-time PCR verified the elevated expression of the upregulated circDUS2. The FISH test revealed that circDUS2 is located in the cytoplasm of brain vascular smooth muscle cells. Conclusion: This study showed differential expression data of circRNAs between superficial temporal artery and intracranial aneurysm and revealed that circDUS2 is a potential molecular marker for intracranial aneurysm.
