Cellular functions and biomedical applications of circular RNAs

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Genetics
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a class of stable, conserved RNA molecules formed from pre-mRNA back-splicing.
• They exhibit cell- and tissue-specific expression patterns.
• Emerging evidence suggests circRNAs can be translated via cap-independent mechanisms, including internal ribosome entry sites (IRESs) and m6A modifications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the noncoding and coding functions of circRNAs.
• To discuss methods for *in vitro* synthesis of circRNAs.
• To highlight current advances in the biomedical applications of circRNAs.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on circRNA function, synthesis, and applications.
• Analysis of mechanisms for circRNA translation (IRESs, m6A).
• Evaluation of *in vitro* transcription techniques for circRNA production.

Main Results:

• CircRNAs possess diverse noncoding roles and can function as templates for protein synthesis.
• Various *in vitro* synthesis methods are available for producing functional circRNAs.
• *In vitro* transcribed circRNAs demonstrate potential in biomedical applications due to their stability and low immunogenicity.

Conclusions:

• CircRNAs represent a versatile class of RNA molecules with significant potential in biotechnology.
• Their translation and stability make them attractive candidates for therapeutic and diagnostic applications.
• Further research into circRNA synthesis and application is warranted for advancing biomedicine.