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Updated: Apr 7, 2026
08:25
Identification of Circular RNAs using RNA Sequencing
Published on: November 14, 2019
12.9K
Circular RNAs Fifty Years After Their Discovery
Ivan B Filippenkov1, Ekaterina V Tsareva2, Ivan V Mozgovoy2
1National Research Centre "Kurchatov Institute", Moscow, 123182, Russia. ARRAY(0x61dc3f4c5188).
Biochemistry. Biokhimiia
|April 5, 2026
Summary
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are stable RNA molecules discovered decades ago but recently gaining attention. Research explores their diverse roles in cellular processes and potential as disease biomarkers and therapeutics.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are covalently closed RNA molecules with high stability.
- Initially discovered in 1976, circRNAs were largely overlooked until recent years.
- circRNAs are now recognized as a diverse group found across many organisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the accumulated knowledge on circRNAs since their discovery.
- To highlight recent advances in understanding circRNA biology.
- To discuss the potential applications of circRNAs.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of circRNA research.
- Analysis of studies on circRNA origins, properties, and functions.
- Exploration of current and emerging circRNA applications.
Main Results:
- circRNAs are formed via non-canonical splicing and are highly stable.
- They are involved in regulating numerous cellular processes across diverse species.
- circRNAs show promise as disease biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
Conclusions:
- circRNAs represent a significant and evolving area of molecular biology.
- Further research is crucial to fully elucidate their biological functions.
- Harnessing circRNA properties offers novel avenues for diagnostics and therapeutics.
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