Circular RNAs as multifaceted molecular regulators of vital activity and potential biomarkers of aging.

Anna-Maria D Zharova, Alexey D Perenkov, Maria V Vedunova

Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, National Research Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia.Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, National Research Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia. · pubmed

Paper

Abstract

Aging presents a significant challenge to health and social care systems due to the increasing proportion of the elderly population. The identification of reliable biomarkers to assess the progression of aging remains an unresolved question. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are single-stranded covalently closed RNAs. They have been found to regulate various biological processes. CircRNAs are present in human biological fluids, are relatively stable, and accumulate with age, making them promising as biomarkers of aging. Current information on the expression of circRNAs in aging was analyzed using scientific databases. In this review, we have identified key stages in the study of circRNAs during aging and summarized the current understanding of their biogenesis. By focusing on the role of circRNAs in processes that contribute to aging - such as genomic stability, metabolism, cell death, and signaling pathways - we hypothesize that circRNAs may drive the aging process through their age-related accumulation and resultant deregulation. Examples of age-related differential expression of circRNAs in various species, including humans, are provided. This review highlights the importance of finding novel epigenetic biomarkers of aging, beyond the already identified molecules (circFOXO3, circRNA100783, circPVT1), and highlights circRNAs as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of age-associated diseases.

The following analysis is generated by AI and may contain errors. It is separate from the authors’ abstract and is not peer review.

Research summary

The paper discusses circular RNAs (circRNAs) as potential biomarkers and regulators of aging, which aligns with the exploration of mechanisms underlying aging and the search for novel biomarkers. While it provides a solid overview of circRNAs and their role in aging processes, the findings are primarily a synthesis of existing knowledge rather than presenting groundbreaking new data or insights. Thus, it contributes to the field but does not significantly advance it.

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