Journal of Shanghai Jiao Tong University (Medical Science) >

2023 , Vol. 43 >Issue 11: 1445 - 1449

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1674-8115.2023.11.013

Review

Advances in the role of circular RNA in schizophrenia

  • Lirong FU ,
  • Chen ZHANG
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  • Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China
ZHANG Chen, E-mail: zhangchen645@gmail.com.

Received date: 2023-05-10

  Accepted date: 2023-10-27

  Online published: 2023-11-28

Supported by

Natural Science Foundation of China(82271538);Shanghai Youth Science and Technology Stars and Outstanding Discipline Leaders Program(20XD1403100);Western Medicine Guide Project of Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality(19411969300)

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Abstract

Schizophrenia is a complex and severe mental disorder, the precise cause of which remains unknown. Circular RNA (circRNA), a type of non-coding RNA with a loop-like structure, is abundant in eukaryotic cell transcriptomes. Recent advancements in molecular genetics have allowed researchers to gain a better understanding of circRNA′s expression profile and biological functions. These molecules play critical roles in various biological processes, including regulation of gene expression, synaptic plasticity, and cognitive flexibility. Due to its high concentration in the mammalian brain, circRNA is involved in neurodevelopment and the maintenance of neural function. Changes in circRNA levels, both within and outside of cells, have been linked to numerous neuro-psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia. As such, circRNA has a crucial and distinctive function in neuro-psychiatric disorders. Given its characteristics, biological functions, and regulatory roles in diseases, researchers are exploring the abnormal expression of circRNA in schizophrenia and its connection to the onset and progression of the disease. Among them, exosomal circRNA, due to its high stability, disease specificity, and abundant content, is poised to become a potential biological marker for diagnosing schizophrenia. This article provides an extensive overview of the recent circRNA and schizophrenia research, discussing the possibility of using exosomal circRNA as a diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for schizophrenia.

Key words： circular RNA (circRNA); schizophrenia; exosome

Cite this article

Lirong FU , Chen ZHANG . Advances in the role of circular RNA in schizophrenia[J]. Journal of Shanghai Jiao Tong University (Medical Science), 2023 , 43(11) : 1445 -1449 . DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-8115.2023.11.013

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