فهرست نشریات علمی دسترسی آزاد ایران

Introduction : Circular RNAs (circRNAs)- once considered splicing artifacts- are covalently closed RNA molecules generated through back-splicing, lacking 5 ′ caps and 3 ′ poly(A) tails, which confers them with remarkable stability. Recent high- throughput sequencing and bioinformatic advances have uncovered diverse biogenesis pathways and functions of circRNAs, including acting as microRNA sponges, interacting with RNA-binding proteins, forming RNA-DNA hybrids, undergoing N6-methyladenosine modification, and even being translated into peptides. Aim : This review summarizes recent insights into circRNA biogenesis, mechanisms of action, and emerging biomedical applications. Discussion : Their dysregulation has been implicated in various diseases- cancer, neurodegeneration, cardiovascular disorders- and they show promise as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Moreover, engineered circular RNAs are being explored for vaccine design and RNA-based therapies. Conclusion : This review summarizes recent insights into circRNA biogenesis, mechanisms of action, and emerging biomedical applications.