The Landscape of Circular RNAs in Cardiovascular Diseases

Qi Long1,2,3, Bingjie Lv1,2,3, Shijiu Jiang1,2,3

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China.

Insights

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are key players in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), the top global cause of death. Understanding circRNA functions offers new avenues for CVD diagnosis and treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Cardiology

Background:

  • Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) represent a significant global health burden, being the leading cause of mortality worldwide.
  • Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have emerged as crucial regulators in various biological processes, including those relevant to cardiovascular health and disease.
  • The specific roles of circRNAs in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases are increasingly being investigated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current knowledge on circRNA biogenesis and their fundamental functions.
  • To summarize recent advancements and significant findings concerning the involvement of circRNAs in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).
  • To provide a comprehensive overview of circRNAs as potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets for CVDs.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on circRNA biogenesis and function.
  • Systematic summary of research investigating the roles of circRNAs in various cardiovascular diseases.
  • Analysis of current data to highlight the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of circRNAs in CVDs.

Main Results:

  • CircRNAs are involved in the regulation of gene expression and cellular processes relevant to cardiovascular function.
  • Dysregulation of specific circRNAs has been linked to the development and progression of diverse cardiovascular diseases.
  • Emerging evidence highlights circRNAs as potential biomarkers for CVD diagnosis and as targets for novel therapeutic strategies.

Conclusions:

  • Circular RNAs play critical roles in both the normal physiology and the pathological processes of the cardiovascular system.
  • The study of circRNAs offers a promising new direction for the development of innovative diagnostic tools and treatment approaches for cardiovascular diseases.
  • Further research into circRNA mechanisms holds significant potential for advancing cardiovascular medicine.

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