Circular RNA in Liver: Health and Diseases

Adv Exp Med Biol. 2018:1087:245-257. doi: 10.1007/978-981-13-1426-1_20.

Abstract

Circular RNA (circRNA) is an important class of noncoding RNA characterized by covalently closed continuous loop structures. In recent years, the various functions of circRNAs have been continuously documented, including effects on cell proliferation and apoptosis and nutrient metabolism. The liver is the largest solid organ in mammals, and it also performs many functions in the body, which is considered to be the busiest organ in the body. At the same time, the liver is vulnerable to multiple pathogenic factors, causing various acute and chronic liver diseases. The pathogenesis of liver disease is still not fully understood. As a rising star for the past few years, circRNAs have been proven involved in the regulation of liver homeostasis and disease. This chapter will explain the role of circRNAs in liver health and diseases and sort out the confusion in the present study.

Keywords: Circular RNA; Liver; MicroRNA; Noncoding RNA.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Early Detection of Cancer
  • Gene Expression Regulation / genetics
  • Humans
  • Liver / metabolism*
  • Liver Cirrhosis / genetics
  • Liver Cirrhosis / metabolism
  • Liver Diseases / genetics*
  • Liver Diseases / metabolism
  • Liver Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Liver Neoplasms / genetics
  • Liver Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Liver Regeneration / genetics
  • RNA / genetics*
  • RNA / metabolism
  • RNA, Circular
  • RNA, Long Noncoding / genetics
  • RNA, Long Noncoding / metabolism

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • RNA, Circular
  • RNA, Long Noncoding
  • RNA