Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a distinct family of RNAs derived from alternative splicing which play a crucial role in regulating gene expression by acting as microRNA (miRNA) and RNA binding protein (RBP) sponges. However, recent studies have also reported the multifunctional potential of these particles. Under different conditions, circRNAs not only regulate protein synthesis, destination, and degradation but can serve as protein scaffolds or recruiters and are also able to produce short peptides with active biological functions. circRNAs are under ongoing investigation because of their close association with the development of diseases. Some circRNAs are reportedly expressed in a tissue- and development stage-specific manner. Furthermore, due to other features of circRNAs, including their stability, conservation, and high abundance in bodily fluids, they are believed to be potential biomarkers for various diseases, including cancers. In this review, we focus on providing a summary of the current knowledge on circRNA–protein interactions. We present the properties and functions of circRNAs, the possible mechanisms of their translation abilities, and the emerging functions of circRNA-derived peptides in human pathologies.

中文翻译：

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人类病理学中与蛋白质相关的环状RNA。

环状RNA（circRNA）是衍生自可变剪接的独特RNA家族，通过充当microRNA（miRNA）和RNA结合蛋白（RBP）海绵，在调节基因表达中起关键作用。但是，最近的研究也报道了这些颗粒的多功能潜力。在不同条件下，circRNAs不仅可以调节蛋白质的合成，转运和降解，还可以充当蛋白质支架或募集者，还可以产生具有活跃生物学功能的短肽。由于circRNA与疾病的发展密切相关，因此正在进行研究。据报道，某些circRNA以组织和发育阶段特异性的方式表达。此外，由于circRNA的其他特征，包括其稳定性，保守性，以及体液中的高丰度，它们被认为是包括癌症在内的各种疾病的潜在生物标记。在这篇综述中，我们着重于提供有关circRNA与蛋白质相互作用的最新知识的摘要。我们介绍了circRNAs的性质和功能，其翻译能力的可能机制，以及人类病理学中circRNA衍生肽的新兴功能。