circRNAs在植物中的研究进展

circular RNA(circRNA)是一类具有闭合环状结构的内源性非编码RNA,广泛存在于多种真核生物中,具有结构稳定、序列保守、表达特异性等特征。研究表明circRNAs可作为海绵(sponge)吸附microRNA(miRNA)并参与其表达调控过程,也可通过与蛋白互作调控基因表达等生物过程;发现circRNAs不仅参与植物激素信号转导等生理过程,而且还能在植物响应逆境胁迫中起到重要作用。该文主要对近年来国内外有关circRNAs的类型、形成机制、功能及其在植物生长发育过程中的研究进展进行了综述,并讨论了circRNAs的研究意义及存在的问题,为进一步研究circRNAs在植物中的作用机制及其基因调控网络提供参考。

Research Progress of circRNAs in Plants

circular RNA (circRNA) is a group of endogenous non coding RNA with closed loop structure, which widely and very stably exists in all eukaryotes. It has the features of construct stability, sequence conservative and tissue specific expression. Prior studies have discovered that circRNAs could act as microRNA (miRNA) sponge to regulate the expression of them. Besides, some circRNAs could regulate gene expression by interacting with proteins. Some studies have shown that circRNAs are not only participated in physiological processes, such as plant hormone signal transduction, but also play an important role in the process which response to biological stress in plants. In this paper, we reviewed the classes and biogenesis of circRNAs, as well as the function of circRNAs. In addition, we discussed the undiscovered issues and the meanings of existence about circRNAs. As research continues, we believe that it can provide theoretical reference for the formation mechanism and gene regulatory networks of circRNAs in plants.