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Updated: Jul 1, 2025

In Silico Identification and Characterization of circRNAs During Host-Pathogen Interactions
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In Silico Identification and Characterization of circRNAs During Host-Pathogen Interactions

Published on: October 21, 2022

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[Circular RNA-Encoded Proteins in Gastrointestinal Cancer:A Review]

Jie Jiang1, Zai Luo1, Hao-Liang Zhang1

  • 1Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery,Shanghai General Hospital,Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine,Shanghai 200080,China.

Zhongguo Yi Xue Ke Xue Yuan Xue Bao. Acta Academiae Medicinae Sinicae
|March 4, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Circular RNAs (CircRNAs), a unique RNA type, can produce proteins that influence diseases like cancer. Understanding these CircRNA-encoded proteins offers new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for tumors.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Circular RNAs (CircRNAs) are non-coding RNAs with a stable, closed-loop structure, distinct from linear RNAs.
  • Emerging research reveals that certain CircRNAs can be translated into proteins using cap-independent mechanisms.
  • These CircRNA-derived proteins play crucial roles in cellular functions and disease pathogenesis.

Approach:

  • This review focuses on the mechanisms of CircRNA translation, including internal ribosome entry site (IRES), N6-methyladenosine (m6A), and rolling loop translation.
  • It examines how these encoded proteins interact with homologous linear proteins or signaling pathways.
  • The paper synthesizes current knowledge on the involvement of CircRNAs and their protein products in tumorigenesis, cancer progression, and immune regulation.

Key Points:

  • CircRNAs can encode functional proteins, expanding their known biological roles beyond non-coding functions.
  • The proteins translated from CircRNAs can act as protein decoys or modulators of signaling pathways.
  • Dysregulation of CircRNA-encoded proteins is implicated in various diseases, particularly in cancer development and metastasis.

Conclusions:

  • Elucidating the expression and functions of CircRNA-encoded proteins is critical for understanding cancer biology.
  • These proteins represent promising novel biomarkers for cancer diagnosis.
  • Targeting CircRNA-encoded proteins may offer innovative therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment.
Keywords:
circular RNAinternal ribosome entry siteproteinprotein bait

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