Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 10, 2025

In Silico Identification and Characterization of circRNAs During Host-Pathogen Interactions
Published on: October 21, 2022
Circular RNA circASH1L(4,5) protects microRNA-129-5p from target-directed microRNA degradation in human skin wound
Qizhang Wang1, Guanglin Niu2, Zhuang Liu2
1State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases and Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
Background:
Skin wound healing involves a complex gene expression programme that remains largely undiscovered in humans. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) are key players in this process.
Objectives:
To understand the functions and potential interactions of circRNAs and miRNAs in human skin wound healing.
Methods:
CircRNA, linear RNA and miRNA expression in human acute and chronic wounds were analysed with RNA sequencing and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The roles of circASH1L(4,5) and miR-129-5p were studied in human primary keratinocytes (proliferation and migration assays, microarray analysis) and ex vivo wound models (histological analysis). The interaction between circASH1L(4,5) and miR-129-5p was examined using luciferase reporter and RNA pulldown assays.
Results:
We identified circASH1L(4,5) and its interaction with miR-129-5p, both of which increased during human skin wound healing. Unlike typical miRNA sponging, circASH1L enhanced miR-129 stability and silencing activity by protecting it from target-directed degradation triggered by NR6A1 mRNA. Transforming growth factor-β signalling - crucial in wound healing - promoted circASH1L expression while suppressing NR6A1, thereby increasing the abundance of miR-129 at the post-transcriptional level. CircASH1L and miR-129 enhanced keratinocyte migration and proliferation, crucial processes for the re-epithelialization of human wounds.
Conclusions:
Our study uncovered a novel role for circRNAs as protectors of miRNAs and highlights the importance of regulated miRNA degradation in skin wound healing.
Related Concept Videos
MicroRNAs
Experimental RNAi
RNA Interference
This process occurs naturally in cells, often through the activity of genomically-encoded microRNAs. Researchers can take advantage of this mechanism by introducing synthetic RNAs to deactivate specific genes for research or therapeutic purposes. For example, RNAi could be used...
piRNA - Piwi-interacting RNAs
siRNA - Small Interfering RNAs
In the cytoplasm, siRNA is processed from a double-stranded RNA, which comes from either endogenous DNA transcription or exogenous sources like a virus. This double-stranded RNA is then cleaved by the...
Clinical Applications of Epidermal Stem Cells

