The role of circular RNAs in viral infection and related diseases

Virus Res. 2021 Jan 2:291:198205. doi: 10.1016/j.virusres.2020.198205. Epub 2020 Oct 22.

Abstract

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a class of non-coding RNAs with a special covalently closed circular structure, which is formed by precursor mRNA (pre-mRNA) through "back-splicing". CircRNAs are more stable than linear RNAs because they are resistant to exoribonucleases. Viral infections often cause abnormal expression of circRNAs, which could serve as novel biomarkers for the diagnosis of viral infections by detecting specific circRNAs in cells, body fluids, or tissues. CircRNAs also play a critical role in regulating host immune response and virus replication. Here, we reviewed the production and function of circRNAs, mainly focusing on their regulation on virus infection, to provide novel insights into the potential role of circRNAs as diagnostic marker or treatment targets for viral infection.

Keywords: Circular RNAs; Diagnostic marker; Treatment targets; Virus.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers
  • Host Microbial Interactions* / genetics
  • Host Microbial Interactions* / immunology
  • Humans
  • Immunity*
  • RNA Splicing
  • RNA, Circular / genetics*
  • RNA, Circular / immunology
  • Virus Diseases / diagnosis
  • Virus Diseases / genetics*
  • Virus Diseases / immunology*
  • Virus Diseases / physiopathology
  • Virus Replication

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • RNA, Circular