circRNAs: Paradigms, Problems and Potential Pitfalls in Disease Based Settings

Dear Colleagues,

Since their initial description, circular RNAs (circRNAs) have become firmly established as a bona fide non-coding RNA in our transcriptome. Dysregulated circRNA levels have been frequently described in pathological settings, but much remains to be elucidated about their functional roles. Many issues continue to arise, such as their ability to encode peptides (and as such, whether we can call them non-coding), or their potential (or not) to act as microRNA “sponges” or competitive endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) for the regulation of our transcriptomes. The aim of this Special Issue is not just to describe altered circRNAs in disease settings, but also to allow discussion of potential issues that may affect our understanding of the roles of this class of RNA in disease settings, or how current paradigms and methodological considerations may impinge on our understanding of these important regulatory RNAs. 

Dr. Steven G. Gray
Guest Editor

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• circRNAs
• biomarkers
• peptides
• issues
• cancer