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Updated: Jun 27, 2026
10:27
In Silico Identification and Characterization of circRNAs During Host-Pathogen Interactions
Published on: October 21, 2022
Circular RNAs in Cardiovascular Diseases: From Regulatory Networks to Functional Effectors
Camilo Rebolledo1, Luis A Salazar1
1Centro de Biología Molecular y Farmacogenética, Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|June 26, 2026
Summary
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are key regulators in cardiovascular disease, impacting cardiac remodeling and dysfunction. These molecules show promise as biomarkers and therapeutic targets, despite ongoing challenges in validation and translation.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Molecular Genetics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Circular RNAs (circRNAs) were initially considered splicing byproducts but are now recognized as stable, abundant, and functionally diverse molecules.
- In the cardiovascular system, circRNAs are generated via back-splicing and regulate gene expression through various mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current knowledge on circRNA biogenesis, molecular functions, and roles in cardiovascular diseases.
- To discuss the potential of circRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
- To identify challenges and future directions for circRNA research in cardiovascular medicine.
Main Methods:
- Literature review synthesizing current research on circRNAs in cardiovascular disease.
- Analysis of circRNA involvement in cardiac remodeling, dysfunction, and various cardiovascular conditions.
- Evaluation of circRNA biomarker potential and therapeutic applications.
Main Results:
- CircRNAs regulate cardiovascular processes like hypertrophy, inflammation, cell death, and matrix remodeling.
- They are implicated in heart failure, ischemia, fibrosis, arrhythmias, cardiotoxicity, and cardiorenal syndrome.
- CircRNAs exhibit stability in biofluids, suggesting potential as circulating biomarkers.
Conclusions:
- CircRNAs are crucial regulators in cardiovascular disease with diverse molecular functions.
- They represent promising preclinical biomarkers and therapeutic targets for cardiovascular conditions.
- Further research is needed to overcome validation and translation challenges for clinical impact.
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