Over the past decade, research into circular RNA (circRNA) has increased rapidly, and over the past few years, circRNA has emerged as a promising therapeutic platform. The regulatory functions of circRNAs, including their roles in templating protein translation and regulating protein and RNA functions, as well as their unique characteristics, such as increased stability and a favourable immunological profile compared with mRNAs, make them attractive candidates for RNA-based therapies. Here, we describe the properties of circRNAs, their therapeutic potential and technologies for their synthesis. We also discuss the prospects and challenges to be overcome to unlock the full potential of circRNAs as drugs. Circular RNAs have gained attention for their stability, immunological advantages and regulatory functions, making them a promising modality in multiple therapies. This Review discusses the therapeutic prospects of circular RNA-based approaches and the emerging role of circular RNAs as

Abstract. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are stable, widespread regulatory molecules produced primarily by back-splicing of pre-mRNAs, with critical roles in gen

Boo and Shin et al. uncover that the EJC deposited onto circRNAs after back-splicing is spatially located near the 3′ UTR of mRNA through circRNA-mRNA interaction. The EJC on circRNA triggers NMD of the mRNA. Mechanistic studies reveal the roles of circNMD in apoptosis and its therapeutic potential for mRNA downregulation.

Boo and Shin et al. uncover that the EJC deposited onto circRNAs after back-splicing is spatially located near the 3′ UTR of mRNA through circRNA-mRNA interaction. The EJC on circRNA triggers NMD of the mRNA. Mechanistic studies reveal the roles of circNMD in apoptosis and its therapeutic potential for mRNA downregulation.

Li et al. introduce circTargetMap, a computational framework for transcriptome-wide mapping of circRNA-target RNA interactions using RIC-seq data. They show that circRNAs such as CDR1as repress mRNA translation by base-pairing-mediated sequestration into P-bodies, independent of miRNAs, revealing a general mode of circRNA-mediated translational regulation with disease relevance.

Li et al. introduce circTargetMap, a computational framework for transcriptome-wide mapping of circRNA-target RNA interactions using RIC-seq data. They show that circRNAs such as CDR1as repress mRNA translation by base-pairing-mediated sequestration into P-bodies, independent of miRNAs, revealing a general mode of circRNA-mediated translational regulation with disease relevance.

CIRI3 speeds up circRNA detection with low memory requirements.

Circular RNAs are prevalent, mysterious and fascinating, but their study requires great care.

Circular RNAs are prevalent, mysterious and fascinating, but their study requires great care.

Scientific Reports - miARma-Seq: a comprehensive tool for miRNA, mRNA and circRNA analysis

Circular RNAs are prevalent, mysterious and fascinating, but their study requires great care.

Tao et al. uncover a DIS3-mediated circRNA degradation pathway, which occurs in the cytoplasm and is independent of the RNA exosome complex. DIS3 recognizes circRNAs containing U-rich motifs and requires its endonucleolytic activity for degradation.…

Kirio et al. demonstrate that circRNAs steadily accumulate in the aging fly brain due to their exceptional stability. Temperature exposure (29°C) further elevates select circRNAs, which remain high weeks later, underscoring their potential as markers of both age and past experiences.

Trans-splicing-based methods that are independent of bacterial sequences and that allow the incorporation of RNA modifications enable the reliable synthesis of circular RNAs and enhance the efficiency...