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Mini Review: How circular RNAs participate in neuro-degeneration
Sima Biswas1, Angshuman Bagchi1
1Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Kalyani, Kalyani, Nadia 741235 West Bengal, India; DBT-funded Bioinformatics Infrastructure Facility (BIF), University of Kalyani, Kalyani, Nadia 741235 West Bengal, India.
Neuroscience Letters
|August 11, 2025
Summary
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are implicated in neurodegenerative diseases by regulating genes and producing proteins. This review explores their roles and mechanisms in disease development.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
Background:
- Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are increasingly recognized for their roles in cellular processes.
- Dysregulation of circRNAs is linked to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases.
- circRNAs exhibit diverse functions, including microRNA (miRNA) sponging and RNA-binding protein (RBP) interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of circular RNAs and their derived protein products.
- To elucidate the mechanisms by which circRNAs contribute to neurodegenerative diseases.
- To highlight current understanding and future research directions in the field.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on circular RNAs in neurodegenerative diseases.
- Analysis of functional mechanisms of circRNAs, including miRNA sponging and RBP binding.
- Examination of protein-coding potential of certain circRNAs and their implications.
Main Results:
- Circular RNAs play significant roles in the initiation and progression of neurodegenerative diseases.
- circRNA-derived proteins can have varied functional impacts on neuronal health.
- Specific molecular pathways involving circRNAs in neurodegeneration are being uncovered.
Conclusions:
- Circular RNAs and their protein products are critical players in neurodegenerative disease pathogenesis.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the complex mechanisms of circRNA involvement.
- Targeting circRNAs presents a potential therapeutic avenue for neurodegenerative disorders.
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