CircAI: a comprehensive database of CircRNA associated with A-to-I RNA editing

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Genomics
• Bioinformatics

Background:

• RNA editing, particularly adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) modification, is a widespread posttranscriptional event with significant functional roles.
• Over 2 million A-to-I RNA editing sites are known in mammals, but their functional implications, especially in noncoding regions and circular RNAs (circRNAs), remain largely unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively analyze A-to-I RNA editing sites in circRNAs across multiple species.
• To develop a centralized database, CircAI, integrating circRNA editing data with functional predictions.
• To provide a resource for investigating the functional consequences of RNA editing in circRNAs.

Main Methods:

• In-depth analysis of A-to-I editing sites in circRNAs from eight species: Homo sapiens, Mus musculus, Macaca mulatta, Gallus gallus, Rattus norvegicus, Oryctolagus cuniculus, Sus scrofa, and Danio rerio.
• Integration of gathered data into the CircAI database.
• Development of functional prediction modules within CircAI, including coding potential, miRNA interactions, secondary structures, and RNA editing quantitative trait loci (edQTL).

Main Results:

• Identification and compilation of multispecies circRNA editing data.
• Establishment of CircAI, the first database combining circRNA editing information with functional predictions.
• Implementation of user-friendly tools for exploring predicted functional impacts of circRNA editing.

Conclusions:

• CircAI provides a valuable resource for understanding the functional significance of RNA editing in circRNAs.
• The database facilitates research into the roles of circRNA editing in biological processes and disease.
• Further exploration of circRNA editing through CircAI can uncover novel regulatory mechanisms.