Exploring the Multifaceted Biologically Relevant Roles of circRNAs: From Regulation, Translation to Biomarkers.

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Genetics
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a class of regulatory RNAs known for stability and tissue-specific expression.
• Their unique back-splicing formation yields a structure resistant to degradation, implicating them in physiological and pathophysiological processes.
• While biogenesis is understood, the precise biological roles of circRNAs remain under active investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically review the current understanding of biologically relevant circRNA functions.
• To utilize cardiovascular system research as a model for evaluating circRNA roles.
• To address challenges in understanding circRNA-mediated regulation due to increasing research.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on circRNA research in cardiovascular development and disease.
• Critical analysis of existing functional studies on circRNAs.
• Identification of limitations in current research methodologies.

Main Results:

• CircRNAs exhibit significant involvement in cardiovascular physiology and pathology.
• Existing functional studies face limitations in validating circRNA roles.
• Cardiovascular research provides a valuable model for understanding circRNA functions.

Conclusions:

• Cardiovascular research highlights the complex roles of circRNAs.
• Current functional studies require refinement to overcome limitations.
• Future research should focus on validating impactful circRNA functions in health and disease.