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Updated: Jun 14, 2025

In Silico Identification and Characterization of circRNAs During Host-Pathogen Interactions
Published on: October 21, 2022
Circular RNA in Cardiovascular Diseases: Biogenesis, Function and Application
Shuai Mei1,2, Xiaozhu Ma1,2, Li Zhou1,2
1Division of Cardiology, Departments of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095# Jiefang Ave., Wuhan 430030, China.
Insights
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are emerging as key players in cardiovascular diseases. This review explores their role in disease mechanisms and potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Cardiology
Background:
- Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a major global health concern.
- Circular RNAs (circRNAs), a class of non-coding RNAs, are increasingly implicated in CVD pathophysiology.
- Aberrant circRNA expression affects cellular processes vital to cardiovascular health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the properties, biogenesis, and mechanisms of circRNAs in cardiovascular disease.
- To explore the potential of circRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for CVD.
- To discuss circRNAs as potential targets for novel cardiovascular drug development.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of circRNAs in cardiovascular disease.
- Analysis of circRNA functions including microRNA sponging, protein scaffolding, and translation.
- Examination of circRNA involvement in cardiovascular cellular processes like metabolism and cell death.
Main Results:
- CircRNAs exhibit diverse functional roles in cardiovascular regulation.
- Dysregulated circRNA expression is linked to various cardiovascular pathophysiological changes.
- Unique properties of circRNAs suggest diagnostic and therapeutic potential.
Conclusions:
- CircRNAs play significant roles in cardiovascular disease development and progression.
- CircRNAs offer promising avenues for cardiovascular disease diagnosis and treatment.
- Further research into circRNAs could revolutionize cardiovascular medicine.
Abstract:
Cardiovascular diseases pose a significant public health challenge globally, necessitating the development of effective treatments to mitigate the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Recently, circular RNAs (circRNAs), a novel class of non-coding RNAs, have been recognized for their role in cardiovascular disease. Aberrant expression of circRNAs is closely linked with changes in various cellular and pathophysiological processes within the cardiovascular system, including metabolism, proliferation, stress response, and cell death. Functionally, circRNAs serve multiple roles, such as acting as a microRNA sponge, providing scaffolds for proteins, and participating in protein translation. Owing to their unique properties, circRNAs may represent a promising biomarker for predicting disease progression and a potential target for cardiovascular drug development. This review comprehensively examines the properties, biogenesis, and potential mechanisms of circRNAs, enhancing understanding of their role in the pathophysiological processes impacting cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, the prospective clinical applications of circRNAs in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of cardiovascular disease are addressed.
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