Circular RNAs: Non-Canonical Observations on Non-Canonical RNAs

Cells. 2023 Jan 14;12(2):323. doi: 10.3390/cells12020323.

Abstract

The existence of circular RNA (circRNA) research in mainstream science can be attributed to the contemporary synergism of big data and keen attention to detail by several research groups worldwide. Since the re-emergence of these non-canonical RNA transcripts, seminal advances have been made in understanding their biogenesis, interactome, and functions in diverse fields and a myriad of human diseases. However, most research outputs to date have focused on the ability of highly stable circRNAs to interact with, and impact signalling through, microRNAs. This is likely to be the result of seminal papers in the field ascribing a few remarkable circRNAs as "miRNA sponges". However, the stoichiometric ratio between the (often-lowly-expressed) circRNA and their (commonly-more-abundant) target is rarely in favour of a biologically relevant and functional consequence of these interactions. It is time for yet another revolution in circRNA research to uncover functions beyond their documented ability to bind miRNAs. This Special Issue aims to highlight non-canonical functions for this non-canonical family of RNA molecules.

Keywords: RNA regulation; back splicing; biomarkers; circRNA; circular RNA; transcriptomics.

Publication types

  • Editorial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • MicroRNAs* / genetics
  • MicroRNAs* / metabolism
  • RNA, Circular* / genetics
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • RNA, Circular
  • MicroRNAs

Grants and funding

This research was funded by National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) project grant funding schemes to S.J.C. (GNT1089167, GNT1144250), a Ray and Shirl Norman Cancer Research Trust grant awarded to S.J.C and Flinders Foundation Health Seed grants awarded to S.J.C. and B.W.S. Fellowship support for S.J.C. was provided by the Australian Research Council Future Fellowship (FT160100318) and the NHMRC Investigator Leadership Grant (GNT1198014). Fellowship support for B.W.S. was provided by the Flinders Foundation Brain Cancer Fellowship.