The Mechanism and Role of Ferroptosis-related Circular RNAs in Diseases
Circular RNA(circRNA)is a special class of non-coding RNA(ncRNA)in eukaryotic cells,which is highly stable.At present,circRNA has been widely found to be involved in the occurrence and development of various diseases as microRNA(miRNA)sponges.As a research hotspot in recent years,the function and effects of circRNA are constantly being discovered and utilized.CircRNAs can act as protein scaffolds to bind targets more tightly and regulate transcription of disease signaling molecules,as well as participate in protein expression as translation templates.A substantial body of research has established the pivotal role of ferroptosis in disease development.Iron and lipid metabolism-related targets are recognized as key components in the regulation of ferroptosis.Recent studies have revealed that circRNA not only participates in ferroptosis regulation as a miRNA and protein scaffold but also exerts control over ferroptosis-related signaling molecules at the transcriptional level.Currently,synthetic circRNA molecules have been engineered for the development of RNA vaccines.Additionally,a range of gene therapy technologies and drug delivery vectors offer a promising foundation for the development of therapeutics targeting circRNA.This paper describes the functions and effects of circRNA,its role as a key target in the regulation of ferroptosis,and its implications in various diseases.Special emphasis is placed on discussing the role of circRNA in multisystem diseases,including tumors,nervous system disorders,and diabetes-related complications.Additionally,drug development strategies related to circRNA are summarized to provide insights for the development of therapeutic drugs targeting ferroptosis.