LncRNAs and CircRNAs from the same gene: Masterpieces of RNA splicing

Abstract

Accumulating evidence has shown that lncRNAs and circRNAs are novel regulators of gene expression. The discovery of numerous lncRNAs and circRNAs, and investigation into their structures and functions will contribute to our understanding of the pathogenesis of diseases as well as better prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases. There is a close relationship between circRNAs and lncRNAs regarding their origins and functions. Recent studies have shown that non-coding linear and circular transcripts can be transcribed from the same gene and are potential super-enhancers modulating gene transcription. In this review, we summarize the categories, characteristics, biological functions and databases of both lncRNAs and circRNAs, focusing on their transcriptions derived from the same gene, which might give us a deeper understanding of and enable us to better recognize and distinguish their physiological roles.

Keywords: CircRNAs; Competing endogenous RNA; LncRNAs; RNA splicing; microRNA sponge.