Helmholtz Gemeinschaft

Search
Browse
Statistics
Feeds

Circular RNAs in brain and other tissues: a functional enigma

Item Type:Review
Title:Circular RNAs in brain and other tissues: a functional enigma
Creators Name:Chen, W. and Schuman, E.
Abstract:Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are RNAs with a covalently closed loop structure that have recently regained the attention of biologists. Using deep RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) coupled with novel bioinformatic approaches, genome-wide studies have detected a large number of circRNAs, many of which are abundant, stable, and well conserved during evolution. With few exceptions, the function of most circRNAs remains elusive. Several recent studies have shown that circRNAs are more enriched in neuronal tissues and are often derived from genes specific for neuronal and synaptic function. Moreover, circRNA expression is regulated during neuronal development and by synaptic plasticity, suggesting specific neuronal functions. In this review, we discuss recent advances in the detection, biogenesis, and potential functions of circRNAs, with a particular focus on brain tissues.
Keywords:Brain, Computational Biology, Neurogenesis, Neuronal Plasticity, RNA, RNA Sequence Analysis, Animals
Source:Trends in Neurosciences
ISSN:0166-2236
Publisher:Elsevier
Volume:39
Number:9
Page Range:597-604
Date:September 2016
Official Publication:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tins.2016.06.006
PubMed:View item in PubMed

Repository Staff Only: item control page

Open Access
MDC Library