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Updated: Oct 4, 2025
Identification of Circular RNAs using RNA Sequencing
Published on: November 14, 2019
Emerging roles of circular RNAs in retinal diseases
Aneliya Hanineva1, Karen Sophia Park1, Joshua J Wang1
1Department of Ophthalmology and Ross Eye Institute, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA.
Abstract:
Retinal disorders are a group of ocular diseases whose onset is associated with a number of aberrant molecular and cellular processes or physical damages that affect retinal structure and function resulting in neural and vascular degeneration in the retina. Current research has primarily focused on delaying retinal disease with minimal success in preventing or reversing neuronal degeneration. In this review, we explore a relatively new field of research involving circular RNAs, whose potential roles as biomarkers and mediators of retinal disease pathogenesis have only just emerged. While knowledge of circular RNAs function is limited given its novelty, current evidence has highlighted their roles as modulators of microRNAs, regulators of gene transcription, and biomarkers of disease development and progression. Here, we summarize how circular RNAs may be implicated in the pathogenesis of common retinal diseases including diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, proliferative vitreoretinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration. Further, we explore the potential of circular RNAs as novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for the diagnosis and treatment of retinal diseases.
Insights
Circular RNAs (ribonucleic acids) show promise as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for retinal disorders. This review explores their emerging roles in conditions like diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Retinal disorders involve neural and vascular degeneration, with current treatments offering limited success in reversing neuronal damage.
- Research is shifting towards novel molecular mechanisms underlying retinal disease pathogenesis.
- Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a newly identified class of molecules with potential significance in ocular diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the emerging roles of circular RNAs in the pathogenesis of common retinal disorders.
- To explore the potential of circRNAs as biomarkers for disease diagnosis and progression.
- To investigate circRNAs as novel therapeutic targets for retinal diseases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current research on circular RNAs and retinal diseases.
- Analysis of studies investigating circRNA function as microRNA modulators and gene transcription regulators.
- Synthesis of evidence linking circRNAs to specific retinal pathologies.
Main Results:
- Circular RNAs are implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, proliferative vitreoretinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration.
- circRNAs function as crucial modulators of microRNAs and regulators of gene transcription.
- Emerging evidence highlights circRNAs as potential biomarkers for disease development and progression.
Conclusions:
- Circular RNAs represent a novel area of research with significant implications for understanding and treating retinal disorders.
- circRNAs hold promise as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for various retinal conditions.
- Further investigation into circRNA mechanisms is crucial for developing effective interventions.
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