1
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Jabeen S, Ahmed N, Rashid F, Lal N, Kong F, Fu Y, Zhang F. Circular RNAs in tuberculosis and lung cancer. Clin Chim Acta 2024; 561:119810. [PMID: 38866175 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2024.119810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
This review signifies the role of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in tuberculosis (TB) and lung cancer (LC), focusing on pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment. CircRNAs, a newly discovered type of non-coding RNA, have emerged as key regulators of gene expression and promising biomarkers in various bodily fluids due to their stability. The current review discusses circRNA biogenesis, highlighting their RNase-R resistance due to their loop forming structure, making them effective biomarkers. It details their roles in gene regulation, including splicing, transcription control, and miRNA interactions, and their impact on cellular processes and diseases. For LC, the review identifies circRNA dysregulation affecting cell growth, motility, and survival, and their potential as therapeutic targets and biomarkers. In TB, it addresses circRNAs' influence on host anti-TB immune responses, proposing their use as early diagnostic markers. The paper also explores the interplay between TB and LC, emphasizing circRNAs as dual biosignatures, and the necessity for differential diagnosis. It concludes that no single circRNA biomarker is universally applicable for both TB and LC. Ultimately, the review highlights the pivotal role of circRNAs in TB and LC, encouraging further research in biomarker identification and therapeutic development concomitant for both diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadia Jabeen
- Department of Microbiology, Wu Lien Teh Institute, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Niaz Ahmed
- Department of Microbiology, Wu Lien Teh Institute, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Faiqa Rashid
- Department of Bioinformatics And Biosciences, Capital University Of Science & Technology, Islamabad Expressway, Kahuta Road, Zone-V, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Nand Lal
- Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, 157 Baojian Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Fanhui Kong
- Department of Microbiology, Wu Lien Teh Institute, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Yingmei Fu
- Department of Microbiology, Wu Lien Teh Institute, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China.
| | - Fengmin Zhang
- Department of Microbiology, Wu Lien Teh Institute, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China; Heilongjiang Key Laboratory of Immunity and Infection, Harbin 150081, China.
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2
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Zhang Y, Zhang W, Liu T, Ma Z, Zhang W, Guan Y, Chen X. Upregulation of circ0000381 attenuates microglial/macrophage pyroptosis after spinal cord injury. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:1360-1366. [PMID: 37905886 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.386399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202406000-00041/inline-graphic1/v/2023-10-30T152229Z/r/image-tiff
Neuroinflammation exacerbates secondary damage after spinal cord injury, while microglia/macrophage pyroptosis is important to neuroinflammation. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play a role in the central nervous system. However, the functional role and mechanism of circRNAs in regulating microglia/macrophage pyroptosis after spinal cord injury are still poorly studied. In the present study, we detected microglia/macrophage pyroptosis in a female rat model of spinal cord injury, along with upregulated levels of circ0000381 in the spinal cord. Our further experimental results suggest that circ0000381 may function as a sponge to sequester endogenous microRNA423-3p (miR-423-3p), which can increase the expression of NOD-like receptor 3 (NLRP3), a pyroptosis marker. Therefore, upregulation of circ0000381 may be a compensatory change after spinal cord injury to attenuate microglia/macrophage pyroptosis. Indeed, knockdown of circ0000381 expression exacerbated microglia/macrophage pyroptosis. Collectively, our findings provide novel evidence for the upregulation of circ0000381, which may serve as a neuroprotective mechanism to attenuate microglia/macrophage pyroptosis after spinal cord injury. Accordingly, circ0000381 may be a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of spinal cord injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhang
- Central Laboratory, Beijing Luhe Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wenkai Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Beijing Luhe Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Aerospace Center Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, Beijing Luhe Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ziqian Ma
- Department of Orthopedics, Beijing Luhe Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wenxiu Zhang
- Central Laboratory, Beijing Luhe Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yun Guan
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Xueming Chen
- Central Laboratory, Beijing Luhe Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Beijing Luhe Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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3
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Ng AYE, Chan SN, Pek JW. Genetic compensation between ribosomal protein paralogs mediated by a cognate circular RNA. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114228. [PMID: 38735045 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Inter-regulation between related genes, such as ribosomal protein (RP) paralogs, has been observed to be important for genetic compensation and paralog-specific functions. However, how paralogs communicate to modulate their expression levels is unknown. Here, we report a circular RNA involved in the inter-regulation between RP paralogs RpL22 and RpL22-like during Drosophila spermatogenesis. Both paralogs are mutually regulated by the circular stable intronic sequence RNA (sisRNA) circRpL22(NE,3S) produced from the RpL22 locus. RpL22 represses itself and RpL22-like. Interestingly, circRpL22 binds to RpL22 to repress RpL22-like, but not RpL22, suggesting that circRpL22 modulates RpL22's function. circRpL22 is in turn controlled by RpL22-like, which regulates RpL22 binding to circRpL22 to indirectly modulate RpL22. This circRpL22-centric inter-regulatory circuit enables the loss of RpL22-like to be genetically compensated by RpL22 upregulation to ensure robust male germline development. Thus, our study identifies sisRNA as a possible mechanism of genetic crosstalk between paralogous genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Yunn Ee Ng
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, 1 Research Link National University of Singapore, Singapore 117604, Singapore; Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive Singapore 117543, Singapore
| | - Seow Neng Chan
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, 1 Research Link National University of Singapore, Singapore 117604, Singapore
| | - Jun Wei Pek
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, 1 Research Link National University of Singapore, Singapore 117604, Singapore; Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive Singapore 117543, Singapore.
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4
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Digby B, Finn S, Ó Broin P. Computational approaches and challenges in the analysis of circRNA data. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:527. [PMID: 38807085 PMCID: PMC11134749 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10420-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNA) are a class of non-coding RNA, forming a single-stranded covalently closed loop structure generated via back-splicing. Advancements in sequencing methods and technologies in conjunction with algorithmic developments of bioinformatics tools have enabled researchers to characterise the origin and function of circRNAs, with practical applications as a biomarker of diseases becoming increasingly relevant. Computational methods developed for circRNA analysis are predicated on detecting the chimeric back-splice junction of circRNAs whilst mitigating false-positive sequencing artefacts. In this review, we discuss in detail the computational strategies developed for circRNA identification, highlighting a selection of tool strengths, weaknesses and assumptions. In addition to circRNA identification tools, we describe methods for characterising the role of circRNAs within the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network, their interactions with RNA-binding proteins, and publicly available databases for rich circRNA annotation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barry Digby
- School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland.
| | - Stephen Finn
- Discipline of Histopathology, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin and Cancer Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Pilib Ó Broin
- School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
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5
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Rong X, Li R, Gong T, Li H, Zhao X, Cao G, Li M, Li B, Yang Y, Guo X. CircMEF2C(2, 3) modulates proliferation and adipogenesis of porcine intramuscular preadipocytes by miR-383/671-3p/ MEF2C axis. iScience 2024; 27:109710. [PMID: 38689646 PMCID: PMC11059125 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Circular RNA is a special category of non-coding RNA that has emerged as epigenetic regulator of adipose tissue development. However, the mechanism governing intramuscular adipogenesis of circRNA remains largely uncharted. In this study, circMEF2C(2, 3), looped by MEF2C exons 2 and 3, was identified from the pig MEF2C gene. Expression of circMEF2C(2, 3) is upregulated in early stage of intramuscular adipogenesis and muscular tissue of lean pigs (DLY pig). Subsequently, overexpression or knockdown of circMEF2C(2, 3) reflected that it participates in promoting proliferation and inhibiting adipogenic differentiation in porcine intramuscular preadipocytes and murine C3H10T1/2 cells. Mechanically, circMEF2C(2, 3) competitively combined with miR-383 and miR-671-3p to the 3'-UTR of MEF2C, which maintains MEF2C expression in regulating proliferation and adipogenesis. In summary, circMEF2C(2, 3) is a key regulator in the proliferation and adipogenic differentiation of intramuscular adipogenesis, suggesting its potential as a multi-target strategy for adipose development and associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyin Rong
- College of Animal Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Breeding of Shanxi Province, Jinzhong 030801, P.R. China
| | - Ruixiao Li
- College of Animal Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Breeding of Shanxi Province, Jinzhong 030801, P.R. China
| | - Tianye Gong
- College of Animal Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Breeding of Shanxi Province, Jinzhong 030801, P.R. China
| | - Haonan Li
- College of Animal Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Breeding of Shanxi Province, Jinzhong 030801, P.R. China
| | - Xiaolei Zhao
- College of Animal Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Breeding of Shanxi Province, Jinzhong 030801, P.R. China
| | - Guoqing Cao
- College of Animal Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Breeding of Shanxi Province, Jinzhong 030801, P.R. China
| | - Meng Li
- College of Animal Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Breeding of Shanxi Province, Jinzhong 030801, P.R. China
| | - Bugao Li
- College of Animal Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Breeding of Shanxi Province, Jinzhong 030801, P.R. China
| | - Yang Yang
- College of Animal Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Breeding of Shanxi Province, Jinzhong 030801, P.R. China
| | - Xiaohong Guo
- College of Animal Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Breeding of Shanxi Province, Jinzhong 030801, P.R. China
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6
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Liao C, He ZW, Yu R, Yu YJ, Liu XR, Kong DL, Wang Y. CircRNA: a rising therapeutic strategy for lung injury induced by pulmonary toxicants. Arch Toxicol 2024; 98:1297-1310. [PMID: 38498160 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-024-03706-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Lung injury has been a serious medical problem that requires new therapeutic approaches and biomarkers. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) that exist widely in eukaryotes. CircRNAs are single-stranded RNAs that form covalently closed loops. CircRNAs are significant gene regulators that have a role in the development, progression, and therapy of lung injury by controlling transcription, translating into protein, and sponging microRNAs (miRNAs) and proteins. Although the study of circRNAs in lung injury caused by pulmonary toxicants is just beginning, several studies have revealed their expression patterns. The function that circRNAs perform in relation to pulmonary toxicants (severe acute respiratory distress syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), drug abuse, PM2.5, and cigarette smoke) is the main topic of this review. A variety of circRNAs can serve as potential biomarkers of lung injury. In this review, the biogenesis, properties, and biological functions of circRNAs were concluded, and the relationship between circRNAs and pulmonary toxicants was discussed. It is expected that the new ideas and potential treatment targets that circRNAs provide would be beneficial to research into the molecular mechanisms behind lung injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cai Liao
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China
| | - Zhen-Wei He
- Department of Neurology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Rui Yu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China
| | - Ya-Jie Yu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China
| | - Xiao-Ru Liu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China
| | - De-Lei Kong
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, No. 155, Nanjing Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110000, Liaoning, China.
| | - Yun Wang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China.
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7
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Drula R, Braicu C, Neagoe IB. Current advances in circular RNA detection and investigation methods: Are we running in circles? WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2024; 15:e1850. [PMID: 38702943 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2024] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs), characterized by their closed-loop structure, have emerged as significant transcriptomic regulators, with roles spanning from microRNA sponging to modulation of gene expression and potential peptide coding. The discovery and functional analysis of circRNAs have been propelled by advancements in both experimental and bioinformatics tools, yet the field grapples with challenges related to their detection, isoform diversity, and accurate quantification. This review navigates through the evolution of circRNA research methodologies, from early detection techniques to current state-of-the-art approaches that offer comprehensive insights into circRNA biology. We examine the limitations of existing methods, particularly the difficulty in differentiating circRNA isoforms and distinguishing circRNAs from their linear counterparts. A critical evaluation of various bioinformatics tools and novel experimental strategies is presented, emphasizing the need for integrated approaches to enhance our understanding and interpretation of circRNA functions. Our insights underscore the dynamic and rapidly advancing nature of circRNA research, highlighting the ongoing development of analytical frameworks designed to address the complexity of circRNAs and facilitate the assessment of their clinical utility. As such, this comprehensive overview aims to catalyze further advancements in circRNA study, fostering a deeper understanding of their roles in cellular processes and potential implications in disease. This article is categorized under: RNA Methods > RNA Nanotechnology RNA Methods > RNA Analyses in Cells RNA Methods > RNA Analyses In Vitro and In Silico.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rareș Drula
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Cornelia Braicu
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ioana-Berindan Neagoe
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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8
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Wei Z, Zhang C, Song Y, Han D, Liu J, Song X, Chao F, Wang S, Xu G, Chen G. CircUBE3A(2,3,4,5) promotes adenylate-uridylate-rich binding factor 1 nuclear translocation to suppress prostate cancer metastasis. Cancer Lett 2024; 588:216743. [PMID: 38423246 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Metastatic progression is the primary cause of mortality in prostate cancer (PCa) patients. Although circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been implicated in cancer progression and metastasis, our current understanding of their role in PCa metastasis remains limited. In this study, we identified that circUBE3A(2,3,4,5), which originated from exons 2, 3, 4 and 5 of the human ubiquitin-protein ligase E3A (UBE3A) gene, was specifically downregulated in PCa tissues and correlated with the Gleason score, bone metastasis, and D'Amico risk classification. Through the in vitro and in vivo experiments, we demonstrated that overexpression of circUBE3A(2,3,4,5) inhibited PCa cell migration, invasion, metastasis, and proliferation. Mechanistically, circUBE3A(2,3,4,5) was found to bind to adenylate-uridylate-rich binding factor 1 (AUF1), promoting the translocation of AUF1 into the nucleus. This led to decreased AUF1 in the cytoplasm, resulting in methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase 2 (MTHFD2) mRNA instability and a subsequent reduction at the protein level. The downregulation of MTHFD2 further inhibited vimentin expression, thereby suppressing PCa cell epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Additionally, two pairs of the short-inverted repeats (TSIRs) in flanking introns were identified to synergistically facilitate the generation of circUBE3A(2,3,4,5) and other circRNAs. In summary, TSIRs-induced circUBE3A(2,3,4,5) acts as a suppressor of PCa metastasis by enhancing AUF1 nuclear translocation, reducing MTHFD2, and subsequently inhibiting vimentin expression. This study characterizes circUBE3A(2,3,4,5) as a functional circRNA and proposes it as a highly promising target for preventing PCa metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziwei Wei
- Department of Urology, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, 201508, Shanghai, China
| | - Cong Zhang
- Department of Urology, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, 201508, Shanghai, China; Department of Urology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Yufeng Song
- Department of Urology, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, 201508, Shanghai, China
| | - Dunsheng Han
- Department of Urology, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, 201508, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinke Liu
- Department of Urology, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, 201508, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoming Song
- Department of Urology, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, 201508, Shanghai, China
| | - Fan Chao
- Department of Urology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University (Xiamen Branch), Xiamen, 361015, Fujian, China
| | - Shiyu Wang
- Research Center for Clinical Medicine, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, 201508, Shanghai, China.
| | - Guoxiong Xu
- Research Center for Clinical Medicine, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, 201508, Shanghai, China.
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Urology, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, 201508, Shanghai, China.
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Guo SK, Liu CX, Xu YF, Wang X, Nan F, Huang Y, Li S, Nan S, Li L, Kon E, Li C, Wei MY, Su R, Wei J, Peng S, Ad-El N, Liu J, Peer D, Chen T, Yang L, Chen LL. Therapeutic application of circular RNA aptamers in a mouse model of psoriasis. Nat Biotechnol 2024:10.1038/s41587-024-02204-4. [PMID: 38653797 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-024-02204-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Efforts to advance RNA aptamers as a new therapeutic modality have been limited by their susceptibility to degradation and immunogenicity. In a previous study, we demonstrated synthesized short double-stranded region-containing circular RNAs (ds-cRNAs) with minimal immunogenicity targeted to dsRNA-activated protein kinase R (PKR). Here we test the therapeutic potential of ds-cRNAs in a mouse model of imiquimod-induced psoriasis. We find that genetic supplementation of ds-cRNAs leads to inhibition of PKR, resulting in alleviation of downstream interferon-α and dsRNA signals and attenuation of psoriasis phenotypes. Delivery of ds-cRNAs by lipid nanoparticles to the spleen attenuates PKR activity in examined splenocytes, resulting in reduced epidermal thickness. These findings suggest that ds-cRNAs represent a promising approach to mitigate excessive PKR activation for therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Kun Guo
- Key Laboratory of RNA Innovation, Science and Engineering, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Chu-Xiao Liu
- Key Laboratory of RNA Innovation, Science and Engineering, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi-Feng Xu
- Key Laboratory of RNA Innovation, Science and Engineering, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao Wang
- Key Laboratory of RNA Innovation, Science and Engineering, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Fang Nan
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Children's Hospital of Fudan University and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Youkui Huang
- Key Laboratory of RNA Innovation, Science and Engineering, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Siqi Li
- Key Laboratory of RNA Innovation, Science and Engineering, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Shan Nan
- Key Laboratory of RNA Innovation, Science and Engineering, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Ling Li
- Key Laboratory of RNA Innovation, Science and Engineering, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Edo Kon
- Laboratory of Precision Nanomedicine, Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Department of Materials Sciences and Engineering, Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Cancer Biology Research Center, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Chen Li
- Key Laboratory of RNA Innovation, Science and Engineering, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Meng-Yuan Wei
- Key Laboratory of RNA Innovation, Science and Engineering, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Rina Su
- Department of Dermatology, Beijing Chao-yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jia Wei
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Children's Hospital of Fudan University and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shiguang Peng
- Department of Dermatology, Beijing Chao-yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Nitay Ad-El
- Laboratory of Precision Nanomedicine, Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Department of Materials Sciences and Engineering, Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Cancer Biology Research Center, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Jiaquan Liu
- Key Laboratory of RNA Innovation, Science and Engineering, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Dan Peer
- Laboratory of Precision Nanomedicine, Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Department of Materials Sciences and Engineering, Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Cancer Biology Research Center, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ting Chen
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Tsinghua Institute of Multidisciplinary Biomedical Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Li Yang
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Children's Hospital of Fudan University and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ling-Ling Chen
- Key Laboratory of RNA Innovation, Science and Engineering, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China.
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Shenzhen, China.
- Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China.
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10
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Wang C, Wang Q, Xu G, Sun Z, Zhang D, Ma C, Li Y, Wen D, Zhang X, Cong B. Circular RNA expression profiles and functional predication after restraint stress in the amygdala of rats. Front Mol Neurosci 2024; 17:1381098. [PMID: 38685915 PMCID: PMC11056511 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2024.1381098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Prolonged or repeated exposure to stress elevates the risk of various psychological diseases, many of which are characterized by central nervous system dysfunction. Recent studies have demonstrated that circular RNAs (circRNAs) are highly abundant in the mammalian brain. Although their precise expression and function remain unknown, they have been hypothesized to regulate transcriptional and post-transcriptional gene expression. In this investigation, we comprehensively analyzed whether restraint stress for 2 days altered the circRNA expression profile in the amygdala of male rats. The impact of restraint stress on behavior was evaluated using an elevated plus maze and open field test. Serum corticosterone levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A total of 10,670 circRNAs were identified using RNA sequencing. Ten circRNAs were validated by reverse transcription and quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis. Gene ontology and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes pathway analyzes supported the notion that genes associated with differentially expressed circRNAs are primarily implicated in neuronal activity and neurotransmitter transport. Moreover, the three differentially expressed circRNAs showed high specificity in the amygdala. Overall, these findings indicate that differentially expressed circRNAs are highly enriched in the amygdala and offer a potential direction for further research on restraint stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan Wang
- College of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Forensic Medical Molecular Identification, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Qian Wang
- College of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Forensic Medical Molecular Identification, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Guangming Xu
- College of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Forensic Medical Molecular Identification, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Department of Forensic Medicine, The National Police University for Criminal Justice, Baoding, China
| | - Zhaoling Sun
- College of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Forensic Medical Molecular Identification, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Dong Zhang
- College of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Forensic Medical Molecular Identification, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- College of Integrative Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Chunling Ma
- College of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Forensic Medical Molecular Identification, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yingmin Li
- College of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Forensic Medical Molecular Identification, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Di Wen
- College of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Forensic Medical Molecular Identification, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xiaojing Zhang
- College of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Forensic Medical Molecular Identification, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Bin Cong
- College of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Forensic Medical Molecular Identification, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Hainan Tropical Forensic Medicine Academician Workstation, Haikou, China
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11
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Zhang L, Li X, Gao H, Li P. The Role of Circular RNA Variants Generated from the NFIX Gene in Different Diseases. Mol Pharm 2024; 21:1027-1037. [PMID: 38315004 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c00933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been identified as important regulators in different developmental processes and disease pathogenesis. The loop structure of circRNAs makes them very stable in different conditions and microenvironments. circRNAs can affect microRNA (miRNA) and RNA binding protein (RBP) activity, encode functional proteins and regulate gene transcription. Recently, two circNFIX variants derived from the same gene, the Nuclear Factor I X (NFIX) gene, were determined as participants in the pathological processes of various diseases such as heart diseases and cancers. Both circNFIX variants are exonic circular RNAs and mainly function by sponging miRNAs. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on circRNAs, elucidate the origins and properties of two circNFIX variants, explore the roles of two circNFIX variants in different diseases, and present clinical perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhang
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, No. 38 DengZhou Road, Qingdao 266021, China
| | - Xin Li
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, No. 38 DengZhou Road, Qingdao 266021, China
| | - Huijuan Gao
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, No. 38 DengZhou Road, Qingdao 266021, China
| | - Peifeng Li
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, No. 38 DengZhou Road, Qingdao 266021, China
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12
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Jin T, Wang H, Liu Y, Wang H. Circular RNAs: Regulators of endothelial cell dysfunction in atherosclerosis. J Mol Med (Berl) 2024; 102:313-335. [PMID: 38265445 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-023-02413-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction is associated with atherosclerosis. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are covalently closed loops formed by back-splicing, are highly expressed in a tissue-specific or cell-specific manner, and regulate ECs mainly through miRNAs (mircoRNAs) or protein sponges. This review describes the regulatory mechanisms and physiological functions of circRNAs, as well as the differential expression of circRNAs in aberrant ECs. This review focuses on their roles in inflammation, proliferation, migration, angiogenesis, apoptosis, senescence, and autophagy in ECs from the perspective of signaling pathways, such as nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-rich-repeat family, pyrin-domain-containing 3 (NLRP3)/caspase-1, Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT), and phosphoinositide-3 kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt). Finally, we address the issues and recent advances in circRNAs as well as circRNA-mediated regulation of ECs to improve our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the progression of atherosclerosis and provide a reference for studies on circRNAs that regulate EC dysfunction and thus affect atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tengyu Jin
- Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050011, Hebei, China
- Hebei General Hospital, Affiliated to Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050051, Hebei, China
| | - Haoyuan Wang
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100070, China
| | - Yuelin Liu
- Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050011, Hebei, China
| | - Hebo Wang
- Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050011, Hebei, China.
- Hebei General Hospital, Affiliated to Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050051, Hebei, China.
- Hebei Provincial Key Laboratory of Cerebral Networks and Cognitive Disorders, Shijiazhuang 050051, Hebei, China.
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13
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Liu D, Dredge BK, Bert AG, Pillman KA, Toubia J, Guo W, Dyakov BA, Migault MM, Conn VM, Conn S, Gregory PA, Gingras AC, Patel D, Wu B, Goodall G. ESRP1 controls biogenesis and function of a large abundant multiexon circRNA. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:1387-1403. [PMID: 38015468 PMCID: PMC10853802 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad1138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
While the majority of circRNAs are formed from infrequent back-splicing of exons from protein coding genes, some can be produced at quite high level and in a regulated manner. We describe the regulation, biogenesis and function of circDOCK1(2-27), a large, abundant circular RNA that is highly regulated during epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and whose formation depends on the epithelial splicing regulator ESRP1. CircDOCK1(2-27) synthesis in epithelial cells represses cell motility both by diverting transcripts from DOCK1 mRNA production to circRNA formation and by direct inhibition of migration by the circRNA. HITS-CLIP analysis and CRISPR-mediated deletions indicate ESRP1 controls circDOCK1(2-27) biosynthesis by binding a GGU-containing repeat region in intron 1 and detaining its splicing until Pol II completes its 157 kb journey to exon 27. Proximity-dependent biotinylation (BioID) assay suggests ESRP1 may modify the RNP landscape of intron 1 in a way that disfavours communication of exon 1 with exon 2, rather than physically bridging exon 2 to exon 27. The X-ray crystal structure of RNA-bound ESRP1 qRRM2 domain reveals it binds to GGU motifs, with the guanines embedded in clamp-like aromatic pockets in the protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawei Liu
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - B Kate Dredge
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Andrew G Bert
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Katherine A Pillman
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
- School of Molecular and Biomedical Science, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - John Toubia
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
- ACRF Cancer Genomics Facility, Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and University of South Australia, Frome Road, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Wenting Guo
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, RNA Biomedical Institute, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Boris J A Dyakov
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Sinai Health, 600 University Ave, Toronto, ON M5G 1X5, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Melodie M Migault
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Vanessa M Conn
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine & Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, 5042, Australia
| | - Simon J Conn
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine & Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, 5042, Australia
| | - Philip A Gregory
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Anne-Claude Gingras
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Sinai Health, 600 University Ave, Toronto, ON M5G 1X5, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Dinshaw Patel
- Structural Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Baixing Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, RNA Biomedical Institute, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Gregory J Goodall
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
- School of Molecular and Biomedical Science, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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14
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Wang Q, Cheng B, Singh S, Tao Y, Xie Z, Qin F, Shi X, Xu J, Hu C, Tan W, Li H, Huang H. A protein-encoding CCDC7 circular RNA inhibits the progression of prostate cancer by up-regulating FLRT3. NPJ Precis Oncol 2024; 8:11. [PMID: 38225404 PMCID: PMC10789799 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-024-00503-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a family of endogenous RNAs that have become a focus of biological research in recent years. Emerging evidence has revealed that circRNAs exert biological functions by acting as transcriptional regulators, microRNA sponges, and binding partners with RNA-binding proteins. However, few studies have identified coding circRNAs, which may lead to a hidden repertoire of proteins. In this study, we unexpectedly discovered a protein-encoding circular RNA circCCDC7(15,16,17,18,19) while we were searching for prostate cancer related chimeric RNAs. circCCDC7(15,16,17,18,19) is derived from exon 19 back spliced to exon 15 of the CCDC7 gene. It is significantly downregulated in patients with high Gleason score. Prostate cancer patients with decreased circCCDC7(15,16,17,18,19) expression have a worse prognosis, while linear CCDC7 had no such association. Overexpressed circCCDC7(15,16,17,18,19) inhibited prostate cancer cell migration, invasion, and viability, supporting classification of circCCDC7(15,16,17,18,19) as a bona fide tumor suppressor gene. We provide evidence that its tumor suppressive activity is driven by the protein it encodes, and that circCCDC7(15,16,17,18,19) encodes a secretory protein. Consistently, conditioned media from circCCDC7(15,16,17,18,19) overexpressing cells has the same tumor suppressive activity. We further demonstrate that the tumor suppressive activity of circCCDC7(15,16,17,18,19) is at least partially mediated by FLRT3, whose expression also negatively correlates with Gleason score and clinical prognosis. In conclusion, circCCDC7(15,16,17,18,19) functions as a tumor suppressor in prostate cancer cells through the circCCDC7-180aa secretory protein it encodes, and is a promising therapeutic peptide for prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiong Wang
- Department of Urology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Bisheng Cheng
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Sandeep Singh
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Yiran Tao
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Zhongqiu Xie
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Fujun Qin
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Xinrui Shi
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Jingjing Xu
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Chenxi Hu
- Department of Urology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Wanlong Tan
- Department of Urology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.
| | - Hai Huang
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
- Department of Urology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Qingyuan, 511518, China.
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15
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Xu Y, Li X, Zhang S, Tang M, Yu R, Liao X, Li Z, Li M, Chen S, Qian W, Song L, Ke Z, Li J. CircMMP2(6,7) Cooperates with β-Catenin and PRMT5 to Disrupt Bone Homeostasis and Promote Breast Cancer Bone Metastasis. Cancer Res 2024; 84:328-343. [PMID: 37963200 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-1899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
The bone is the most common site of distant metastasis of breast cancer, which leads to serious skeletal complications and mortality. Understanding the mechanisms underlying breast cancer bone metastasis would provide potential strategies for the prevention and treatment of breast cancer bone metastasis. In this study, we identified a circular RNA that we named circMMP2(6,7) that was significantly upregulated in bone metastatic breast cancer tissues and correlated with breast cancer-bone metastasis. Upregulation of circMMP2(6,7) dramatically enhanced the metastatic capability of breast cancer cells to the bone via inducing bone metastatic niche formation by disrupting bone homeostasis. Mechanistically, circMMP2(6,7) specifically bound to the promoters of bone-remodeling factors calcium-binding protein S100A4 and carbohydrate-binding protein LGALS3 and formed a complex with β-catenin and arginine methyltransferase PRMT5, eliciting histone H3R2me1/H3R2me2s-induced transcriptional activation. Treatment with GSK591, a selective PRMT5 inhibitor, effectively inhibited circMMP2(6,7)/β-catenin/PRMT5 complex-induced breast cancer bone metastasis. These findings reveal a role for circMMP2(6,7) in bone homeostasis disruption and shed light on the mechanisms driving breast cancer bone metastasis. SIGNIFICANCE Upregulation of bone-remodeling factors S100A4 and LGALS3 mediated by a circMMP2(6,7)/β-catenin/PRMT5 complex generates a niche that supports breast cancer bone metastasis, identifying PRMT5 as a promising target for treating metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingru Xu
- Molecular Diagnosis and Gene Testing Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Medical College of Jiaying University, Meizhou, China
| | - Xincheng Li
- Molecular Diagnosis and Gene Testing Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Biochemistry, Zhongshan School of Medicine Sun Yat-sen University Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuxia Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Miaoling Tang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ruyuan Yu
- Molecular Diagnosis and Gene Testing Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Medical College of Jiaying University, Meizhou, China
| | - Xinyi Liao
- Molecular Diagnosis and Gene Testing Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Biochemistry, Zhongshan School of Medicine Sun Yat-sen University Guangzhou, China
| | - Ziwen Li
- Molecular Diagnosis and Gene Testing Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Biochemistry, Zhongshan School of Medicine Sun Yat-sen University Guangzhou, China
| | - Man Li
- Molecular Diagnosis and Gene Testing Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Biochemistry, Zhongshan School of Medicine Sun Yat-sen University Guangzhou, China
| | - Suwen Chen
- Molecular Diagnosis and Gene Testing Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Biochemistry, Zhongshan School of Medicine Sun Yat-sen University Guangzhou, China
| | - Wanying Qian
- Molecular Diagnosis and Gene Testing Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Biochemistry, Zhongshan School of Medicine Sun Yat-sen University Guangzhou, China
| | - Libing Song
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zunfu Ke
- Molecular Diagnosis and Gene Testing Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun Li
- Molecular Diagnosis and Gene Testing Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Biochemistry, Zhongshan School of Medicine Sun Yat-sen University Guangzhou, China
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16
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Kang P, Dong P. CircMETTL14(11)S upregulated METTL14 and induced CXCR4 to aggravate endothelial inflammation and atherosclerosis. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 126:110979. [PMID: 37972448 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Endothelial inflammatory response can induce a variety of cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis (AS). As a member of the m6A methyltransferase family, methyltransferase like 14 (METTL14) was reported to propel endothelial inflammation and aggravate AS. In this study, qRT-PCR and western blot analyses were performed to detect the RNA and protein levels of genes. To analyze the cyclic structure and localization of circMETTL14(11)S, agarose gel electrophoresis, subcellular fractionation and FISH assays were conducted. The role of circMETTL14(11)S on endothelial inflammation was exposed by monocyte adhesion assay. Luciferase reporter, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), pull-down and RNA binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays were conducted to explore the mechanism of circMETTL14(11)S on endothelial inflammation and AS. We found that circMETTL14(11)S (hsa_circ_0125169) expressed highly in TNF-α-induced endothelial inflammation and positively regulated the expression of METTL14 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). CircMETTL14(11)S facilitated endothelial inflammation of HUVECs by METTL14. Based on the nuclear location, circMETTL14(11)S was found to activate METTL14 transcription via cooperating with SRY-box transcription factor 2 (SOX2). METTL14 accelerated the m6A methylation and stabilization of C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) mRNA. Further, the facilitation of circMETTL14(11)S/METTL14/CXCR4 on TNF-α-induced endothelial inflammation of HUVECs was verified. Collectively, circMETTL14(11)S/METTL14/CXCR4 axis aggravated endothelial inflammation and AS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pinfang Kang
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233030, Anhui, China
| | - Peng Dong
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Clinical School of Medicine, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Hangzhou 310015, China.
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17
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Sun ZY, Yang CL, Huang LJ, Mo ZC, Zhang KN, Fan WH, Wang KY, Wu F, Wang JG, Meng FL, Zhao Z, Jiang T. circRNADisease v2.0: an updated resource for high-quality experimentally supported circRNA-disease associations. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:D1193-D1200. [PMID: 37897359 PMCID: PMC10767896 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023] Open
Abstract
circRNADisease v2.0 is an enhanced and reliable database that offers experimentally verified relationships between circular RNAs (circRNAs) and various diseases. It is accessible at http://cgga.org.cn/circRNADisease/ or http://cgga.org.cn:9091/circRNADisease/. The database currently includes 6998 circRNA-disease entries across multiple species, representing a remarkable 19.77-fold increase compared to the previous version. This expansion consists of a substantial rise in the number of circRNAs (from 330 to 4246), types of diseases (from 48 to 330) and covered species (from human only to 12 species). Furthermore, a new section has been introduced in the database, which collects information on circRNA-associated factors (genes, proteins and microRNAs), molecular mechanisms (molecular pathways), biological functions (proliferation, migration, invasion, etc.), tumor and/or cell line and/or patient-derived xenograft (PDX) details, and prognostic evidence in diseases. In addition, we identified 7 159 865 relationships between mutations and circRNAs among 30 TCGA cancer types. Due to notable enhancements and extensive data expansions, the circRNADisease 2.0 database has become an invaluable asset for both clinical practice and fundamental research. It enables researchers to develop a more comprehensive understanding of how circRNAs impact complex diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Yan Sun
- Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, China
- Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, China
| | - Chang-Lin Yang
- Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, China
| | - Li-Jie Huang
- Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, China
| | - Zong-Chao Mo
- SIAT-HKUST Joint Laboratory of Cell Evolution and Digital Health, HKUST Shenzhen-Hong Kong Collaborative Innovation Research Institute, Shenzhen 518045, China
- Division of Life Science, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ke-Nan Zhang
- Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, China
| | - Wen-Hua Fan
- Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, China
- Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, China
| | - Kuan-Yu Wang
- Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, China
- Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, China
| | - Fan Wu
- Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, China
| | - Ji-Guang Wang
- SIAT-HKUST Joint Laboratory of Cell Evolution and Digital Health, HKUST Shenzhen-Hong Kong Collaborative Innovation Research Institute, Shenzhen 518045, China
- Division of Life Science, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Fan-Lin Meng
- Marketing and Management Department, CapitalBio Technology, Beijing 101111, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Beijing Biochip Technology, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Zheng Zhao
- Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, China
- SIAT-HKUST Joint Laboratory of Cell Evolution and Digital Health, HKUST Shenzhen-Hong Kong Collaborative Innovation Research Institute, Shenzhen 518045, China
- Division of Life Science, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, China
- Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, China
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18
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Wu W, Zhao F, Zhang J. circAtlas 3.0: a gateway to 3 million curated vertebrate circular RNAs based on a standardized nomenclature scheme. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:D52-D60. [PMID: 37739414 PMCID: PMC10767913 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have demonstrated the important regulatory role of circRNAs, but an in-depth understanding of the comprehensive landscape of circRNAs across various species still remains unexplored. The current circRNA databases are often species-restricted or based on outdated datasets. To address this challenge, we have developed the circAtlas 3.0 database, which contains a rich collection of 2674 circRNA sequencing datasets, curated to delineate the landscape of circRNAs within 33 distinct tissues spanning 10 vertebrate species. Notably, circAtlas 3.0 represents a substantial advancement over its precursor, circAtlas 2.0, with the number of cataloged circRNAs escalating from 1 007 087 to 3 179 560, with 2 527 528 of them being reconstructed into full-length isoforms. circAtlas 3.0 also introduces several notable enhancements, including: (i) integration of both Illumina and Nanopore sequencing datasets to detect circRNAs of extended lengths; (ii) employment of a standardized nomenclature scheme for circRNAs, providing information of the host gene and full-length circular exons; (iii) inclusion of clinical cancer samples to explore the biological function of circRNAs within the context of cancer and (iv) links to other useful resources to enable user-friendly analysis of target circRNAs. The updated circAtlas 3.0 provides an important platform for exploring the evolution and biological implications of vertebrate circRNAs, and is freely available at http://circatlas.biols.ac.cn and https://ngdc.cncb.ac.cn/circatlas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanying Wu
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Fangqing Zhao
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jinyang Zhang
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
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19
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Ma XK, Gao X, Cao M, Yang L. Base-Editor-Mediated circRNA Knockout by Targeting Predominantly Back-Splice Sites. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2765:193-208. [PMID: 38381341 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3678-7_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Back-splicing of eukaryotic exon(s) leads to the production of covalently closed circular RNAs (circRNAs). Generally, most circRNAs contain overlapping sequences to their cognate linear RNAs from the same gene loci, leading to difficulties in distinguishing them from each other. A recent study has shown that some circRNAs can be specifically depleted by using base editing systems to target their predominantly back-splice sites for circularization, suggesting an efficient approach for circRNA knockout (KO). Here, we describe the detailed protocol for applying base editors to disrupt back-splice sites of predominantly circularized exons for circRNA KO at the genomic DNA level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu-Kai Ma
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Children's Hospital, Fudan University and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiang Gao
- Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Mei Cao
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Children's Hospital, Fudan University and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Yang
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Children's Hospital, Fudan University and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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20
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Wu H, Chen LL. The Functional Circular RNA Screening via RfxCas13d/BSJ-gRNA System. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2765:173-191. [PMID: 38381340 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3678-7_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Although discovered decades ago, functions of circular RNAs (circRNAs) produced from exon(s) back-splicing of pre-mRNAs have only been unveiled recently. As circRNAs share overlapping sequences with their cognate linear RNAs, except for the back-splicing junction sites, it is difficult to distinguish circRNAs from cognate mRNAs in functional studies. In this chapter, we describe a programmable method for the large-scale functional circRNA screening based on the RNA-guided, RNA-targeting CRISPR-Cas13 (RfxCas13d) system. This method can be applied both in vivo and in cell to explore highly expressed circRNAs that may influence cell growth, either under natural conditions or in response to environmental stimulation, without disturbing cognate linear mRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wu
- Key Laboratory of RNA Science and Engineering, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
| | - Ling-Ling Chen
- Key Laboratory of RNA Science and Engineering, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
- School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
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21
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Ma XK, Zhai SN, Yang L. Approaches and challenges in genome-wide circular RNA identification and quantification. Trends Genet 2023; 39:897-907. [PMID: 37839990 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2023.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Numerous circular RNAs (circRNAs) produced from back-splicing of exon(s) have been recently revealed on a genome-wide scale across species. Although generally expressed at a low level, some relatively abundant circRNAs can play regulatory roles in various biological processes, prompting continuous profiling of circRNA in broader conditions. Over the past decade, distinct strategies have been applied in both transcriptome enrichment and bioinformatic tools for detecting and quantifying circRNAs. Understanding the scope and limitations of these strategies is crucial for the subsequent annotation and characterization of circRNAs, especially those with functional potential. Here, we provide an overview of different transcriptome enrichment, deep sequencing and computational approaches for genome-wide circRNA identification, and discuss strategies for accurate quantification and characterization of circRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu-Kai Ma
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Children's Hospital, Fudan University and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Si-Nan Zhai
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Children's Hospital, Fudan University and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Li Yang
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Children's Hospital, Fudan University and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
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22
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Lu L, Wang F, Chen J, Zhao C, Guo S, Dong D, Jiang M, Huang Y. CircTENM3 inhibites tumor progression via the miR-558/RUNX3 axis in prostate cancer. J Transl Med 2023; 21:850. [PMID: 38007527 PMCID: PMC10675854 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04708-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prostate cancer (PCa) is currently acknowledged as the second most widespread cancer among men worldwide. Yet, the lack of dependable diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets has presented considerable hurdles to the progression of prostate cancer treatment. Circular RNAs are implicated in the pathogenesis of numerous diseases, positioning them as promising biomarkers for diverse medical conditions. This study aims to uncover a specific circRNA that could serve as a diagnostic and therapeutic target for detecting and treating PCa. METHODS The change of circTENM3 expression levels in PCa was detected by qPCR. CCK8 assays, EdU assays, Scratch assay and Transwell migration assay conducted to detect the role of circTENM3 in PCa cells in vitro. RIP assay, RNA-pull down and luciferase reporter assay were performed to explore the mechanism of circTENM3. Gain-of-function analysis was performed to reveal the function of circTENM3 in PCa in vivo. RESULTS The results revealed that the expression level of circTENM3 was significantly down-regulated in PCa. CircTENM3 overexpression alleviated the progression of PCa in vitro. Mechanistically, circTENM3 enhanced RUNX3 levels via miR-558 sponge. Gain-of-function analysis determined that circTENM3 overexpression could inhibit PCa progression in vitro. CONCLUSIONS Our research offers profound insights into the protective role played by circTENM3 in PCa. CircTENM3 operates as a sponge for miR-558, thereby triggering the elevation of RUNX3 expression, which subsequently curbs the progression of PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingxiang Lu
- Department of Urinary Surgery, Suzhou Ninth People's Hospital, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fei Wang
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jianchun Chen
- Department of Urinary Surgery, Suzhou Ninth People's Hospital, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chunchun Zhao
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shuai Guo
- Department of Urinary Surgery, Suzhou Ninth People's Hospital, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Da Dong
- Suzhou Ninth People's Hospital, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Minjun Jiang
- Department of Urinary Surgery, Suzhou Ninth People's Hospital, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Yuhua Huang
- Department of Urinary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.
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23
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Feng XY, Zhu SX, Pu KJ, Huang HJ, Chen YQ, Wang WT. New insight into circRNAs: characterization, strategies, and biomedical applications. Exp Hematol Oncol 2023; 12:91. [PMID: 37828589 PMCID: PMC10568798 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-023-00451-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a class of covalently closed, endogenous ncRNAs. Most circRNAs are derived from exonic or intronic sequences by precursor RNA back-splicing. Advanced high-throughput RNA sequencing and experimental technologies have enabled the extensive identification and characterization of circRNAs, such as novel types of biogenesis, tissue-specific and cell-specific expression patterns, epigenetic regulation, translation potential, localization and metabolism. Increasing evidence has revealed that circRNAs participate in diverse cellular processes, and their dysregulation is involved in the pathogenesis of various diseases, particularly cancer. In this review, we systematically discuss the characterization of circRNAs, databases, challenges for circRNA discovery, new insight into strategies used in circRNA studies and biomedical applications. Although recent studies have advanced the understanding of circRNAs, advanced knowledge and approaches for circRNA annotation, functional characterization and biomedical applications are continuously needed to provide new insights into circRNAs. The emergence of circRNA-based protein translation strategy will be a promising direction in the field of biomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Yi Feng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, People's Republic of China
| | - Shun-Xin Zhu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, People's Republic of China
| | - Ke-Jia Pu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, People's Republic of China
| | - Heng-Jing Huang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue-Qin Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, People's Republic of China.
| | - Wen-Tao Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, People's Republic of China.
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24
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Webster J, Mai H, Ly A, Maher C. INTEGRATE-Circ and INTEGRATE-Vis: unbiased detection and visualization of fusion-derived circular RNA. Bioinformatics 2023; 39:btad569. [PMID: 37707537 PMCID: PMC10516643 DOI: 10.1093/bioinformatics/btad569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
MOTIVATION Backsplicing of RNA results in circularized rather than linear transcripts, known as circular RNA (circRNA). A recently discovered and poorly understood subset of circRNAs that are composed of multiple genes, termed fusion-derived circular RNAs (fcircRNAs), represent a class of potential biomarkers shown to have oncogenic potential. Detection of fcircRNAs eludes existing analytical tools, making it difficult to more comprehensively assess their prevalence and function. Improved detection methods may lead to additional biological and clinical insights related to fcircRNAs. RESULTS We developed the first unbiased tool for detecting fcircRNAs (INTEGRATE-Circ) and visualizing fcircRNAs (INTEGRATE-Vis) from RNA-Seq data. We found that INTEGRATE-Circ was more sensitive, precise and accurate than other tools based on our analysis of simulated RNA-Seq data and our tool was able to outperform other tools in an analysis of public lymphoblast cell line data. Finally, we were able to validate in vitro three novel fcircRNAs detected by INTEGRATE-Circ in a well-characterized breast cancer cell line. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION Open source code for INTEGRATE-Circ and INTEGRATE-Vis is available at https://www.github.com/ChrisMaherLab/INTEGRATE-CIRC and https://www.github.com/ChrisMaherLab/INTEGRATE-Vis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jace Webster
- Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States
| | - Hung Mai
- Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States
| | - Amy Ly
- Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States
- Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States
| | - Christopher Maher
- Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States
- Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63130, United States
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25
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Kurtović Z, Sandor K, ter Heegde F, Rudjito R, Svensson CI, Palada V. circRNA landscape in dorsal root ganglia from mice with collagen antibody-induced arthritis. NEUROBIOLOGY OF PAIN (CAMBRIDGE, MASS.) 2023; 14:100142. [PMID: 38099281 PMCID: PMC10719524 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynpai.2023.100142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Circular RNAs are a novel class of RNA molecules that are covalently closed into a ring structure. They are an epigenetic regulatory mechanism, and their best-studied function is regulation of microRNA activity. As such circular RNAs may be involved in the switch from acute to chronic pain. They have previously been studied in the context of neuropathic pain models, but their importance in inflammation-induced chronic pain models is unexplored. Microarray analysis of dorsal root ganglia collected in the late phase of collagen antibody-induced arthritis (day 59) were used to elucidate the relevance of circular RNAs in the mechanical hypersensitivity caused by this model. 120 circular RNA genes were found to be significantly differentially regulated in female BALB/c mice with collagen antibody-induced arthritis. Six genes were chosen for RT-qPCR analysis in the late (day 54-60) as well as the inflammatory (day 11-12) phase of this model. This validated an increase in circNufip1 expression in the late phase of collagen antibody-induced arthritis. Additionally, it was found that circVps13 and circMicall1 are upregulated in the inflammatory phase. Interestingly, no changes were found in dorsal root ganglia from mice injected with Freund's Complete Adjuvant (day 3) nor mice with spared nerve injury (day 20), despite their similarities to inflammatory and late phase collagen antibody-induced arthritis, respectively. This study provides evidence that mild circular RNA changes occur in dorsal root ganglia of mice with collagen antibody-induced arthritis that are, bioinformatically, predicated to be involved in processes relevant to sensitization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zerina Kurtović
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology and Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
- Kancera AB, Karolinska Institutet Science Park, Solna, Sweden
| | - Katalin Sandor
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology and Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Freija ter Heegde
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology and Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Resti Rudjito
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology and Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Camilla I. Svensson
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology and Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Vinko Palada
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology and Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
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26
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Circular RNA detection pipelines yield divergent sets of circular RNAs. Nat Methods 2023; 20:1135-1136. [PMID: 37443339 DOI: 10.1038/s41592-023-01945-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
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27
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Zhang L, Zhang Y, Li X, Gao H, Chen X, Li P. CircRNA-miRNA-VEGFA: an important pathway to regulate cancer pathogenesis. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1049742. [PMID: 37234708 PMCID: PMC10206052 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1049742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancers, especially malignant tumors, contribute to high global mortality rates, resulting in great economic burden to society. Many factors are associated with cancer pathogenesis, including vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGFA) and circular RNAs (circRNA). VEGFA is a pivotal regulator of vascular development such as angiogenesis, which is an important process in cancer development. CircRNAs have covalently closed structures, making them highly stable. CircRNAs are widely distributed and participate in many physiological and pathological processes, including modulating cancer pathogenesis. CircRNAs act as transcriptional regulators of parental genes, microRNA (miRNA)/RNA binding protein (RBP) sponges, protein templates. CircRNAs mainly function via binding to miRNAs. CircRNAs have been shown to influence different diseases such as coronary artery diseases and cancers by regulating VEGFA levels via binding to miRNAs. In this paper, we explored the origin and functional pathways of VEGFA, reviewed the current understanding of circRNA properties and action mechanisms, and summarized the role of circRNAs in regulating VEGFA during cancer pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhang
- *Correspondence: Lei Zhang, ; Peifeng Li,
| | | | | | | | | | - Peifeng Li
- *Correspondence: Lei Zhang, ; Peifeng Li,
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28
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Rebolledo C, Silva JP, Saavedra N, Maracaja-Coutinho V. Computational approaches for circRNAs prediction and in silico characterization. Brief Bioinform 2023; 24:7150741. [PMID: 37139555 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbad154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are single-stranded and covalently closed non-coding RNA molecules originated from RNA splicing. Their functions include regulatory potential over other RNA species, such as microRNAs, messenger RNAs and RNA binding proteins. For circRNA identification, several algorithms are available and can be classified in two major types: pseudo-reference-based and split-alignment-based approaches. In general, the data generated from circRNA transcriptome initiatives is deposited on public specific databases, which provide a large amount of information on different species and functional annotations. In this review, we describe the main computational resources for the identification and characterization of circRNAs, covering the algorithms and predictive tools to evaluate its potential role in a particular transcriptomics project, including the public repositories containing relevant data and information for circRNAs, recapitulating their characteristics, reliability and amount of data reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilo Rebolledo
- Center of Molecular Biology & Pharmacogenetics, Department of Basic Sciences, Scientific and Technological Resources, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases - ACCDiS, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Centro de Modelamiento Molecular, Biofísica y Bioinformática - CM2B2, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Juan Pablo Silva
- Centro de Modelamiento Molecular, Biofísica y Bioinformática - CM2B2, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- ANID Anillo ACT210004 SYSTEMIX, Rancagua, Chile
| | - Nicolás Saavedra
- Center of Molecular Biology & Pharmacogenetics, Department of Basic Sciences, Scientific and Technological Resources, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Vinicius Maracaja-Coutinho
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases - ACCDiS, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Centro de Modelamiento Molecular, Biofísica y Bioinformática - CM2B2, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- ANID Anillo ACT210004 SYSTEMIX, Rancagua, Chile
- Anillo Inflammation in HIV/AIDS - InflammAIDS, Santiago, Chile
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29
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Vavers E, Zvejniece L, Dambrova M. Sigma-1 receptor and seizures. Pharmacol Res 2023; 191:106771. [PMID: 37068533 PMCID: PMC10176040 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
Over the last decade, sigma-1 receptor (Sig1R) has been recognized as a valid target for the treatment of seizure disorders and seizure-related comorbidities. Clinical trials with Sig1R ligands are underway testing therapies for the treatment of drug-resistant seizures, developmental and epileptic encephalopathies, and photosensitive epilepsy. However, the direct molecular mechanism by which Sig1R modulates seizures and the balance between excitatory and inhibitory pathways has not been fully elucidated. This review article aims to summarize existing knowledge of Sig1R and its involvement in seizures by focusing on the evidence obtained from Sig1R knockout animals and the anti-seizure effects of Sig1R ligands. In addition, this review article includes a discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of the use of existing compounds and describes the challenges and future perspectives on the use of Sig1R as a target for the treatment of seizure disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edijs Vavers
- Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Pharmacology, Aizkraukles 21, LV-1006, Riga, Latvia; University of Tartu, Faculty of Science and Technology, Institute of Chemistry, Ravila 14a, 50411, Tartu, Estonia.
| | - Liga Zvejniece
- Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Pharmacology, Aizkraukles 21, LV-1006, Riga, Latvia
| | - Maija Dambrova
- Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Pharmacology, Aizkraukles 21, LV-1006, Riga, Latvia; Riga Stradiņš University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Konsula 21, LV-1007, Riga, Latvia
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