Circular RNA: metabolism, functions and interactions with proteins

Circular RNAs (CircRNAs) are single-stranded, covalently closed RNA molecules that are ubiquitous across species ranging from viruses to mammals. Important advances have been made in the biogenesis, regulation, localization, degradation and modification of circRNAs. CircRNAs exert biological functions by acting as transcriptional regulators, microRNA (miR) sponges and protein templates. Moreover, emerging evidence has revealed that a group of circRNAs can serve as protein decoys, scaffolds and recruiters. However, the existing research on circRNA-protein interactions is quite limited. Hence, in this review, we briefly summarize recent progress in the metabolism and functions of circRNAs and elaborately discuss…

• NN
  National Natural Science Foundation of China

  Awards: 81871951, 2018YFC1313300, 81930065
• NS
  Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province

  Awards: 2019A1515010233, 2018B030306049
• NK
  National Key Research and Development Program of China

  Awards: 2018YFC1313304, 2018YFC1313300