Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a branch of non-coding RNAs (ncRNA) that form closed loops resulting from covalently linked 5’ and 3’ termini. This is due to the back-splicing of exons that is catalyzed by RNA polymerase II. Circular RNAs are now well understood to play an important role in gene regulation and expression through a variety of methods including miRNA sponging and the binding of RNA-associated proteins, to form larger complexes.
Given our increased knowledge of circRNAs and their influence on transcriptional events, including post-transcriptional interactions, circRNAs have been highlighted as potential therapeutic targets and/or biomarkers in numerous diseases. The relative role of circRNAs in regulating miRNA expression and function is linked to multiple cancers as well as in the pathology of various viral infections.
As such, this Research Topic aims to highlight the significance of circular RNAs in health and disease. We welcome Original Research, Reviews, and other article types presenting the molecular importance of circular RNAs.
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a branch of non-coding RNAs (ncRNA) that form closed loops resulting from covalently linked 5’ and 3’ termini. This is due to the back-splicing of exons that is catalyzed by RNA polymerase II. Circular RNAs are now well understood to play an important role in gene regulation and expression through a variety of methods including miRNA sponging and the binding of RNA-associated proteins, to form larger complexes.
Given our increased knowledge of circRNAs and their influence on transcriptional events, including post-transcriptional interactions, circRNAs have been highlighted as potential therapeutic targets and/or biomarkers in numerous diseases. The relative role of circRNAs in regulating miRNA expression and function is linked to multiple cancers as well as in the pathology of various viral infections.
As such, this Research Topic aims to highlight the significance of circular RNAs in health and disease. We welcome Original Research, Reviews, and other article types presenting the molecular importance of circular RNAs.
