Circular RNAs in Human Diseases

Overview

Journal MedComm (2020)

Specialty Health Services

Date 2024 Sep 6

PMID 39239069

Authors

Yuanyong Wang

Jin Zhang

Yuchen Yang

Zhuofeng Liu

Sijia Sun

Rui Li

Hui Zhu

Tian Li

Jin Zheng

Jie Li

Litian Ma

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a unique class of RNA molecules formed through back-splicing rather than linear splicing. As an emerging field in molecular biology, circRNAs have garnered significant attention due to their distinct structure and potential functional implications. A comprehensive understanding of circRNAs' functions and potential clinical applications remains elusive despite accumulating evidence of their involvement in disease pathogenesis. Recent research highlights their significant roles in various human diseases, but comprehensive reviews on their functions and applications remain scarce. This review provides an in-depth examination of circRNAs, focusing first on their involvement in non-neoplastic diseases such as respiratory, endocrine, metabolic, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and renal disorders. We then explore their roles in tumors, with particular emphasis on exosomal circular RNAs, which are crucial for cancer initiation, progression, and resistance to treatment. By detailing their biogenesis, functions, and impact on disease mechanisms, this review underscores the potential of circRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. The review not only enhances our understanding of circRNAs' roles in specific diseases and tumor types but also highlights their potential as novel diagnostic and therapeutic tools, thereby paving the way for future clinical investigations and potential therapeutic interventions.

Citing Articles

Circular RNAs in cancer.

Guo Y, Huang Q, Heng Y, Zhou Y, Chen H, Xu C MedComm (2020). 2025; 6(2):e70079.

PMID: 39901896 PMC: 11788016. DOI: 10.1002/mco2.70079.

Current Insights into the Roles of LncRNAs and CircRNAs in Pulpitis: A Narrative Review.

Fuchen-Ramos D, Leija-Montoya A, Gonzalez-Ramirez J, Isiordia-Espinoza M, Garcia-Arevalo F, Pitones-Rubio V Int J Mol Sci. 2025; 25(24.

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