The roles of circular RNAs in nerve injury and repair

Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience, 2024 · DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2024.1419520 · Published: July 15, 2024

Simple Explanation

Nerve injuries, including peripheral nerve injury (PNI), traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal cord injury (SCI), and neuropathic pain (NP), can significantly reduce a patient's quality of life and create economic burdens. Current treatment options are limited due to incomplete understanding of the molecular changes that occur following these injuries. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are single-stranded RNA molecules that form a closed loop. Research shows they play a role in both normal cell functions and disease processes. These molecules can influence nerve regeneration by promoting axon growth, supporting Schwann cell proliferation, and managing neuronal autophagy. This review summarizes recent advances in circRNA expression profiles and roles in nerve injury, presenting a prospective view of circRNA in the treatment of nerve injury. The review covers peripheral nerve injury, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, and neuropathic pain.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Review

Key Findings

1
CircRNAs play a role in peripheral nerve injury (PNI), with specific circRNAs like circ-Ankib1 and circ-Spidr influencing Schwann cell proliferation and axon regeneration.
2
In traumatic brain injury (TBI), circRNAs like circMETTL9 and circ-Scmh1 are linked to neuroinflammation, impacting the inflammatory response and potentially serving as therapeutic targets.
3
In spinal cord injury (SCI), circRNAs modulate inflammation, cell apoptosis, and axonal regeneration, offering potential therapeutic interventions, with some circRNAs delivered via exosomes from mesenchymal stem cells.

Research Summary

This review summarizes recent advancements in understanding the roles of circRNAs in nerve injury and repair, focusing on their involvement in signaling pathways and gene regulatory networks pertinent to nerve injury. Exosomes from mesenchymal stem cells play a crucial role in nerve regeneration, particularly in TBI and SCI, highlighting the potential of exosomal circRNAs for nerve injury repair. CircRNAs, with their greater stability, are expected to become a preferred RNA platform in the pharmaceutical industry, with potential for developing circRNA-based drugs targeting nerve damage repair.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Target Identification

CircRNAs can be targeted to modulate nerve regeneration, potentially leading to new treatments for nerve injuries.

Drug Development

CircRNA-based drugs can be developed to promote nerve repair and improve patient outcomes.

Biomarker Potential

CircRNAs can serve as biomarkers for diagnosing and predicting the prognosis of nerve injuries, especially in acute ischemic stroke.

Study Limitations

1
Current research is primarily focused on rodent models, limiting the direct translation to human clinical applications.
2
Efficient production methods and optimized delivery systems for circRNA-based drugs and vaccines are still needed.
3
The role of exosomal circRNAs in peripheral nerve injury and neuropathic pain requires further investigation.

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