Circular RNA: A new expectation for cardiovascular diseases

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Genetics
• Cardiovascular Research

Background:

• Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a novel class of RNA molecules with a unique closed-loop structure.
• They exhibit high stability, sequence conservation, and tissue-specific expression due to specialized reverse splicing.
• Emerging research highlights their critical regulatory functions in various biological and pathological processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the biogenesis, detection, and function of circRNAs.
• To discuss the multifaceted roles of circRNAs in the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).
• To explore the potential of circRNAs as therapeutic targets for CVDs.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of circRNA research.
• Analysis of circRNA involvement in CVD pathogenesis.
• Discussion of circRNA mechanisms in cardiovascular conditions.

Main Results:

• CircRNAs play significant roles in atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, cardiac hypertrophy, heart failure, myocardial fibrosis, cardiac senescence, pulmonary hypertension, and diabetic cardiomyopathy.
• Specific circRNAs have been identified as key regulators in these CVDs.
• The unique properties of circRNAs suggest their potential as biomarkers and therapeutic agents.

Conclusions:

• CircRNAs are pivotal regulators in cardiovascular biology and pathology.
• Understanding circRNA mechanisms offers new avenues for CVD diagnosis and treatment.
• CircRNAs hold considerable promise for future cardiovascular medicine.