Natural Antioxidants as Regulators of Circular RNA Expression and Function

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• RNA Biology
• Redox Biology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are stable noncoding RNAs with regulatory roles in gene expression.
• Dysregulated circRNAs are implicated in diseases like cancer and neurodegeneration, often involving oxidative stress.
• Natural antioxidants offer a strategy to restore redox balance and influence circRNA networks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review how natural antioxidants modulate circRNA expression and function in disease contexts.
• To highlight the molecular mechanisms underlying antioxidant-circRNA interactions.
• To discuss challenges and future directions for antioxidant-based circRNA therapeutics.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of studies on natural antioxidants and circRNAs.
• Analysis of molecular mechanisms including circRNA-miRNA-mRNA axes and RBP interactions.
• Examination of specific antioxidant compounds (e.g., quercetin, curcumin, resveratrol).

Main Results:

• Various natural antioxidants (flavonoids, polyphenols, etc.) influence circRNA expression and function.
• Antioxidants impact disease-related pathways such as oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell proliferation via circRNAs.
• Key compounds demonstrate therapeutic potential through circRNA-mediated actions.

Conclusions:

• The interplay between natural antioxidants and circRNAs is a promising therapeutic avenue for redox-related diseases.
• Further research is needed to elucidate mechanisms, improve bioavailability, and validate findings in vivo.
• Integrating antioxidant therapy with RNA-targeting strategies holds significant future potential.