Circular RNA (circRNA) has gained prominence as a crucial component of the transcriptome, highlighting its essential role in gene expression regulation and cellular function. It is characterized by its covalently closed loop structure, which offers a level of stability and functionality not found in traditional RNA forms. As the landscape of RNA biology evolves, circRNAs are increasingly recognized for their potential applications in diagnostics, therapeutics, and biotechnological innovations. At BOC Sciences, we are committed to facilitating the exploration and application of circRNA through our specialized Custom Circular RNA Service, tailored to meet the diverse needs of researchers and institutions.
Circular RNAs are a distinct class of non-coding RNAs that form a closed-loop structure due to a unique splicing mechanism known as back-splicing. This process occurs when a downstream splice donor connects with an upstream splice acceptor, resulting in a continuous RNA molecule devoid of free ends. This characteristic not only enhances the stability of circRNAs but also contributes to their resilience against degradation by cellular exonucleases. CircRNAs were first discovered in viruses, but subsequent studies have revealed their widespread presence in eukaryotic organisms, including plants and animals. High-throughput sequencing technologies have unveiled thousands of circRNAs in human cells alone, underscoring their abundance and biological significance. Furthermore, circRNAs can arise from exons, introns, or both, leading to diverse isoforms with varying functions.
The advantages of circRNA stem from their structural and functional attributes, making them particularly appealing in both basic research and applied sciences.
The distinctions between circular and linear RNA are profound, influencing their respective roles in cellular processes and applications in research.
At BOC Sciences, we offer a comprehensive Custom Circular RNA Service designed to facilitate the synthesis and analysis of high-quality circRNA for various research applications. Our Custom Circular RNA Service provides researchers with access to high-quality circRNA tailored to their specific experimental needs. This service encompasses the entire process, from design and synthesis to characterization and quality control.
The applications of circular RNA are diverse and continually expanding, reflecting their potential in various fields of research and biotechnology.
BOC Sciences is dedicated to advancing circRNA research through our Custom Circular RNA Service, empowering scientists with high-quality, tailored solutions to explore the myriad applications of circRNA in their respective fields. As research into circRNA continues to unfold, its implications for diagnostics, therapeutics, and our understanding of fundamental biological processes promise to be profound and transformative.
This case study examines the efficacy of circular RNA (circRNA) as a dual-function vaccine platform that acts both as an immunogen and adjuvant, highlighting its ability to induce potent T cell responses. Researchers investigated the immune response generated by circRNA encoding antigenic proteins, specifically through a charge-altering releasable transporter (CART). The study demonstrated that circRNA vaccinations, administered via various routes (subcutaneous, intranasal, and intravenous), resulted in robust antigen-specific CD8 T cell activation and strong antibody production. Notably, the circRNA-based vaccine outperformed traditional adjuvants, such as AddaVax and Poly(I), by facilitating significant innate immune activation and enhancing memory responses. This innovative approach not only provides insights into the immunogenic potential of circRNAs but also paves the way for their application in developing effective vaccines against infectious diseases and cancer therapies, suggesting a promising future for circRNA in RNA medicine.
Circular RNA (circRNA) differs from mRNA in its structure, stability, and function. While mRNA has a linear structure with distinct 5' and 3' ends, circRNA forms a closed loop, providing enhanced stability and resistance to degradation. Furthermore, circRNAs primarily function as regulators of gene expression and cellular processes, whereas mRNA serves as a template for protein synthesis.
Several viruses are known to produce circular RNA, for example: Hepevirus: The hepatitis E virus has been shown to generate circRNAs during its replication cycle. Caronaviruses: Certain coronaviruses, such as SARS-CoV-2, can produce circular RNA as part of their life cycle. These viral circRNAs have implications in host-pathogen interactions and may contribute to the pathogenesis of viral infections.
Designing primers for circRNA amplification involves several key considerations: Target Site: Select a region within the circRNA that is specific and avoids linear RNA contamination. Back-Splicing Junction: Primers should flank the back-splicing junction of the circRNA to ensure specificity. Melting Temperature (Tm): Ensure primers have similar Tm values for optimal annealing during PCR.
Identifying circRNAs involves a combination of experimental techniques, including: RNA Sequencing (RNA-Seq) profiles RNA transcripts, including circRNAs. RNA is isolated, treated with exonucleases to enrich for circRNA, and sequenced using next-generation sequencing (NGS). Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplifies specific circRNAs using primers targeting back-splicing junctions. After reverse transcription to synthesize complementary DNA (cDNA), PCR products are analyzed via gel electrophoresis to detect circRNA. Northern Blotting allows for circRNA detection by separating total RNA via gel electrophoresis, followed by hybridization with labeled probes specific to circRNA. Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH) visualizes circRNA within cells. Specific probes are designed for the target circRNA, and after hybridization, fluorescence microscopy is used to observe circRNA localization.
Extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA) can indeed be transcribed into circular RNA. Recent studies have demonstrated that ecDNA is a source of circRNA, particularly in cancer cells. The presence of ecDNA-derived circRNAs may contribute to tumorigenesis and provide insights into the molecular underpinnings of cancer.
