Calisir Hilal-Nur, Akcay Sila, Bal Enes, Ozfiliz-Kilbas Pelin, Ozden Buse, Ayhan-Sahin Burcu
Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Istanbul Kultur University, Bakırkoy Campus, Ataköy Building, E5 Highway, Bakırköy, Istanbul, 34158, Turkey.
Mol Biol Rep. 2025 Sep 17;52(1):915. doi: 10.1007/s11033-025-11013-0.
Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) represent a pivotal frontier in molecular biology, expanding our understanding of genetic regulation beyond the classical central dogma. Among these, circular RNAs (circRNAs) and tiny RNAs (tyRNAs) have emerged as critical regulators with diverse roles in gene expression, cellular homeostasis, and disease pathogenesis. CircRNAs, characterized by their covalently closed structures, exhibit remarkable stability and functional versatility, including acting as microRNA sponges, transcriptional regulators, and protein scaffolds. Tiny RNAs, a newly recognized class of ncRNAs, are implicated in post-transcriptional regulation through interactions with Argonaute proteins, influencing pathways from viral defense to neurodegenerative diseases. This review synthesizes recent advancements in the biogenesis, molecular mechanisms, and clinical significance of circRNAs and tyRNAs, highlighting their potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in cancer, metabolic disorders, and neurological conditions. By exploring their unique regulatory landscapes, this work aims to inspire further research into the ncRNA universe and its implications for human health.
非编码RNA（ncRNAs）是分子生物学中的一个关键前沿领域，拓展了我们对遗传调控的理解，超越了经典的中心法则。其中，环状RNA（circRNAs）和微小RNA（tyRNAs）已成为关键的调控因子，在基因表达、细胞稳态和疾病发病机制中发挥着多种作用。环状RNA以其共价闭合结构为特征，表现出显著的稳定性和功能多样性，包括作为微小RNA海绵、转录调节因子和蛋白质支架。微小RNA是一类新发现的非编码RNA，通过与AGO蛋白相互作用参与转录后调控，影响从病毒防御到神经退行性疾病等多种途径。本综述综合了环状RNA和微小RNA在生物发生、分子机制及临床意义方面的最新进展，强调了它们作为癌症、代谢紊乱和神经疾病生物标志物及治疗靶点的潜力。通过探索它们独特的调控格局，本研究旨在激发对非编码RNA领域及其对人类健康影响的进一步研究。
