RNA molecules are becoming increasingly important in modern medicine, serving as tools to silence genes or create therapeutic proteins. However, one major drawback of RNA therapies is their short-lived effectiveness in the body. Circular RNAs (cRNAs) have emerged as a potential solution to this challenge, as their closed-loop structure makes them more resistant to degradation compared to linear RNAs. Existing methods for creating cRNAs are complex and inefficient, prompting researchers at the University of California San Diego to develop two new methods that are simpler and more scalable.
The first method involves using a naturally occurring protein called RtcB to splice RNA strands into loops inside cells. The second method utilizes bacterial enzyme group II introns to form cRNAs outside of cells. Additionally, the researchers developed purification steps that significantly increase the yield of cRNAs. These advancements make it easier to produce cRNAs in larger quantities than previously possible. In experiments on heart muscle cells and neurons, the cRNAs showed improved stability and biological activity compared to traditional linear RNAs, indicating their potential in treating conditions affecting the heart and nervous system.
Future studies will focus on extending these findings into additional in vivo settings to further explore the potential of cRNAs in treating various diseases. The study, published in Nature Biomedical Engineering on August 26, highlights the promise of cRNAs as a more enduring alternative to existing RNA therapies, offering a temporary but highly targeted approach to treating a range of diseases. By enhancing the stability and effectiveness of RNA molecules, these new methods could lead to more effective and long-lasting therapies for a variety of medical conditions.