AUTHOR=Chen Xin-Tian , Li Zhong-Wei , Zhao Xue , Li Min-Le , Hou Ping-Fu , Chu Su-Fang , Zheng Jun-Nian , Bai Jin TITLE=Role of Circular RNA in Kidney-Related Diseases JOURNAL=Frontiers in Pharmacology VOLUME=12 YEAR=2021 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2021.615882 DOI=10.3389/fphar.2021.615882 ISSN=1663-9812 ABSTRACT=

The kidney is vital in maintaining fluid, electrolyte, and acid–base balance. Kidney-related diseases, which are an increasing public health issue, can happen to people of any age and at any time. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are endogenous RNA that are produced by selective RNA splicing and are involved in progression of various diseases. Studies have shown that various kidney diseases, including renal cell carcinoma, acute kidney injury, and chronic kidney disease, are linked to circRNAs. This review outlines the characteristics and biological functions of circRNAs and discusses specific studies that provide insights into the function and potential of circRNAs for application in the diagnosis and treatment of kidney-related diseases.