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Panchalingam S, Kasivelu G. Exploring the impact of circular RNA on ALS progression: A systematic review. Brain Res 2024; 1838:148990. [PMID: 38734122 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2024.148990] [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: 03/31/2024] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a neurodegenerative disease that damages motor neurons and causes gradual muscular weakening and paralysis. Although studies have linked a number of genetic and environmental factors to ALS, the specific causes and mechanisms of the disease are still unclear. The pivotal role of circular RNA in the pathogenesis of ALS is a newly emerging area of research. The term "circular RNA" describes a particular class of RNA molecule that, in contrast to most RNA molecules, has a closed-loop structure. According to recent research, circular RNA might be essential for the development and progression of ALS. It has been discovered that these circular RNAs support important cellular functions related to ALS, including protein turnover, mitochondrial function, RNA processing, and cellular transport. Gaining knowledge about the precise roles and processes of circular RNA in the development of ALS could assist in understanding the pathophysiology of the disease and possibly pave the way for the development of targeted therapies. However, the understanding of circular RNA in ALS is still limited, and more research is needed to fully elucidate its role. In order to gain a comprehensive understanding of the role of circRNAs in ALS, it is imperative to delve into the various mechanisms through which circRNAs may contribute to the development and progression of the disease. Examining the current status of circRNA research in ALS and offering insights into their potential as therapeutic targets and diagnostic markers are the primary objectives of this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santhiya Panchalingam
- Centre for Ocean Research (DST-FIST Sponsored Centre), Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai 600119, India
| | - Govindaraju Kasivelu
- Centre for Ocean Research (DST-FIST Sponsored Centre), Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai 600119, India.
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Crane AB, Jetti SK, Littleton JT. A stochastic RNA editing process targets a limited number of sites in individual Drosophila glutamatergic motoneurons. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.17.594696. [PMID: 38798345 PMCID: PMC11118563 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.17.594696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
RNA editing is a post-transcriptional source of protein diversity and occurs across the animal kingdom. Given the complete profile of mRNA targets and their editing rate in individual cells is unclear, we analyzed single cell RNA transcriptomes from Drosophila larval tonic and phasic glutamatergic motoneuron subtypes to determine the most highly edited targets and identify cell-type specific editing. From ∼15,000 genes encoded in the genome, 316 high confidence A-to-I canonical RNA edit sites were identified, with 102 causing missense amino acid changes in proteins regulating membrane excitability, synaptic transmission, and cellular function. Some sites showed 100% editing in single neurons as observed with mRNAs encoding mammalian AMPA receptors. However, most sites were edited at lower levels and generated variable expression of edited and unedited mRNAs within individual neurons. Together, these data provide insights into how the RNA editing landscape alters protein function to modulate the properties of two well-characterized neuronal populations in Drosophila .
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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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Xiao C, Gu X, Feng Y, Shen J. Two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis of 91 circulating inflammatory protein levels and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Front Aging Neurosci 2024; 16:1367106. [PMID: 38601850 PMCID: PMC11004327 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2024.1367106] [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: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease with poorly understood pathophysiology. Recent studies have highlighted systemic inflammation, especially the role of circulating inflammatory proteins, in ALS. Methods This study investigates the potential causal link between these proteins and ALS. We employed a two-sample Mendelian Randomization(MR) approach, analyzing data from large-scale genome-wide association studies to explore the relationship between 91 circulating inflammatory proteins and ALS. This included various MR methods like MR Egger, weighted median, and inverse-variance weighted, complemented by sensitivity analyses for robust results. Results Significant associations were observed between levels of inflammatory proteins, including Adenosine Deaminase, Interleukin-17C, Oncostatin-M, Leukemia Inhibitory Factor Receptor, and Osteoprotegerin, and ALS risk. Consistencies were noted across different P-value thresholds. Bidirectional MR suggested that ALS risk might influence levels of certain inflammatory proteins. Discussion Our findings, via MR analysis, indicate a potential causal relationship between circulating inflammatory proteins and ALS. This sheds new light on ALS pathophysiology and suggests possible therapeutic targets. Further research is required to confirm these results and understand the specific roles of these proteins in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenxu Xiao
- The Affiliated Jiangsu Shengze Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xiaochu Gu
- Medical Laboratory, Suzhou Psychiatric Hospital, The Affiliated Guangji Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yu Feng
- The University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia
- The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Jing Shen
- The Affiliated Jiangsu Shengze Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
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Hoque P, Romero B, Akins RE, Batish M. Exploring the Multifaceted Biologically Relevant Roles of circRNAs: From Regulation, Translation to Biomarkers. Cells 2023; 12:2813. [PMID: 38132133 PMCID: PMC10741722 DOI: 10.3390/cells12242813] [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: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
CircRNAs are a category of regulatory RNAs that have garnered significant attention in the field of regulatory RNA research due to their structural stability and tissue-specific expression. Their circular configuration, formed via back-splicing, results in a covalently closed structure that exhibits greater resistance to exonucleases compared to linear RNAs. The distinctive regulation of circRNAs is closely associated with several physiological processes, as well as the advancement of pathophysiological processes in several human diseases. Despite a good understanding of the biogenesis of circular RNA, details of their biological roles are still being explored. With the steady rise in the number of investigations being carried out regarding the involvement of circRNAs in various regulatory pathways, understanding the biological and clinical relevance of circRNA-mediated regulation has become challenging. Given the vast landscape of circRNA research in the development of the heart and vasculature, we evaluated cardiovascular system research as a model to critically review the state-of-the-art understanding of the biologically relevant functions of circRNAs. We conclude the review with a discussion of the limitations of current functional studies and provide potential solutions by which these limitations can be addressed to identify and validate the meaningful and impactful functions of circRNAs in different physiological processes and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parsa Hoque
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA;
| | - Brigette Romero
- Department of Medical and Molecular Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA;
| | - Robert E Akins
- Nemours Children’s Research, Nemours Children’s Health System, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA;
| | - Mona Batish
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA;
- Department of Medical and Molecular Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA;
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