Messenger RNA

Pathology

Translation (biology)

Biology

Gene

Molecular biology

Gene isoform

Clinical significance

Computational biology

Protein biosynthesis

Genetics

Medicine

Trends in Molecular Medicine

In recent years, significant attention has focused on circular RNA (circRNA) translation to determine its clinical significance. Cap-independent translation of circRNAs driven by an internal ribosome entry site (IRES) or an N6-methyladenosine (m6A)-containing short sequence is different from the canonical cap-dependent translation of linear mRNAs. New proteins or isoforms possessing novel physiological roles can be generated from translatable circRNAs. The present review describes the elements involved in circRNA translation, and the functions of the translated novel protein isoforms in human diseases.

Circular RNA translation: novel protein isoforms and clinical significance