To explore the development of circular RNA (circRNA) from a misunderstood entity to a recognized therapeutic modality.
Approach:
Background: Erik Wiklund, CEO of Circio and co-discoverer of human circRNA, reflects on the initial skepticism surrounding circRNA and its evolution into a promising therapeutic option.
Discovery: Wiklund and Thomas Birkballe Hansen discovered circRNA while searching for non-coding RNAs regulating genes, leading to the identification of its unique circular structure, which had not been previously described in human cells.
Research Evolution: Post-discovery, research focused on identifying more circRNAs and their biological functions, revealing their role as microRNA sponges and contributing to the understanding of gene regulation.
Key Findings:
CircRNA was initially viewed skeptically but gained recognition for its biological functions starting in 2013, particularly after a pivotal paper published by Thomas Birkballe Hansen.
CircRNA's stability makes it a more durable alternative to mRNA for therapeutic applications, addressing mRNA's instability issues.
The discovery of circRNA's function as a microRNA sponge opened new avenues for understanding gene regulation and therapeutic potential.
Interpretation:
CircRNA has transitioned from being considered an artifact to a significant player in RNA-based therapies, attracting substantial investment and research interest.
Limitations:
Initial skepticism and complexity in the biological functions of circRNA may hinder wider acceptance among researchers and clinicians.
The early research faced challenges in publication due to the novelty and complexity of findings, which made it difficult for reviewers to accept.
Conclusion:
The rise of circRNA represents a significant advancement in RNA research, highlighting its potential for future therapeutic developments.
