What goes around comes around: Artificial circular RNAs bypass cellular antiviral responses.

ABSTRACT: Natural circular RNAs have been found to sequester microRNAs and suppress their function. We have used this principle as a molecular tool and produced artificial circular RNA sponges in a cell-free system by in vitro transcription and ligation. Formerly, we were able to inhibit hepatitis C virus propagation by applying a circular RNA decoy strategy against microRNA-122, which is essential for the viral life cycle. In another proof-of-principle study, we used circular RNAs to sequester microRNA-21, an oncogenic and pro-proliferative microRNA. This strategy slowed tumor growth in a 3D cell culture model system, as well as in xenograft mice upon systemic delivery. In the wake of the global use of an in vitro transcribed RNA in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines, the qu

SUBMITTER: Breuer J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9042720 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature