Nokkeaw Archittapon, Ariyachet Chaiyaboot
Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Center of Excellence in Hepatitis and Liver Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Adv Exp Med Biol. 2025;1485:369-394. doi: 10.1007/978-981-96-9428-0_21.
Circular RNAs (circRNAs), a class of recently discovered noncoding RNAs, exhibit a distinctive feature in comparison to other noncoding RNAs, such as microRNAs (miRNAs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). They are characterized by the formation of a covalent bond between the 3' and 5' ends through a process known as back-splicing, rendering them remarkably resistant to degradation by exonucleases, particularly RNase R. This inherent stability contributes to their prolonged expression compared to their linear counterparts. Recent investigations have unveiled the pivotal role of circRNAs in the regulation of gene expression through various mechanisms, including the modulation of host gene splicing, acting as miRNA sponges, interacting with proteins, and even demonstrating translational capabilities to produce proteins. These diverse functions position circRNAs as key players in the complex landscape of the pathogenesis of various diseases, including liver disease. Unraveling the intricate involvement of circRNAs in these liver disorders provides valuable insights into their diagnostic and therapeutic potential. This chapter aims to comprehensively examine the current body of literature, consolidating our understanding of the complex regulatory networks orchestrated by circRNAs in liver pathophysiology. Additionally, it strives to identify potential avenues for therapeutic intervention and diagnostic innovation, thus contributing to the burgeoning field of precision medicine in liver disease management.
环形RNA（circRNAs）是一类最近发现的非编码RNA，与其他非编码RNA相比，如微小RNA（miRNAs）和长链非编码RNA（lncRNAs），具有独特的特征。它们的特点是通过一种称为反向剪接的过程在3'和5'末端之间形成共价键，这使得它们对核酸外切酶，特别是RNase R的降解具有显著的抗性。与线性对应物相比，这种固有的稳定性有助于它们延长表达。最近的研究揭示了circRNAs通过各种机制在基因表达调控中的关键作用，包括调节宿主基因剪接、充当miRNA海绵、与蛋白质相互作用，甚至展示出产生蛋白质的翻译能力。这些多样的功能使circRNAs成为包括肝脏疾病在内的各种疾病发病机制复杂图景中的关键参与者。阐明circRNAs在这些肝脏疾病中的复杂参与情况，为它们的诊断和治疗潜力提供了有价值的见解。本章旨在全面审视当前的文献，巩固我们对circRNAs在肝脏病理生理学中所编排的复杂调控网络的理解。此外，它努力确定治疗干预和诊断创新的潜在途径，从而为肝脏疾病管理中新兴的精准医学领域做出贡献。
