Circular RNA (circRNA) is a single-stranded RNA molecule in which the 5' and 3' ends are covalently linked to form a closed loop. This circular structure offers several functional advantages, including increased stability and prolonged expression duration. CD Formulation specializes in high-quality custom synthesis of circRNA. Our customers need only to provide the desired sequence, and we offer a comprehensive service that encompasses everything from circRNA synthesis to analysis.
CircRNA is a single-stranded circular RNA produced through reverse splicing, often expressed by plasmids or viruses. However, the generation of circRNAs from plasmids or viruses involves auxiliary processes, such as reverse splicing, which may complicate the results of the study. By directly transfecting synthesized circRNAs, researchers can investigate the biological functions of circRNAs more effectively.
Fig.1 Features of Circular RNA. (CD Formulation)
CircRNAs can bind to host genes at their synthesis sites, causing transcription pauses or termination by forming RNA-DNA hybrids (R-loop structures), which can lead to the skipping of exons or the production of truncated transcripts.
CircRNAs can regulate the expression of other genes by adsorbing microRNAs (miRNAs). This mechanism is akin to that of a CircRNAs absorb miRNAs, thereby diminishing the regulation of other target genes by these miRNAs.
CircRNAs can also bind to proteins, forming complexes that influence intracellular signaling and gene expression. These complexes may play crucial roles in the cell cycle, cell differentiation, and other biological processes.
Some circRNAs have the ability to be translated into proteins. Although this phenomenon is relatively rare, it adds additional functionality to circRNAs.
The chemical in vitro synthesis of cyclic RNA primarily depends on phosphoramidite chemistry and solid-phase synthesis techniques. This process utilizes nucleoside triphosphate derivatives as raw materials and employs specific protecting groups to inhibit undesired chemical reactions that lead to the formation of 3'-5' phosphodiester bonds. This method enables precise control over the synthesis of RNA sequences and typically produces cyclic RNA comprising fewer than 70 to 80 nucleotides.
Enzymatic ligation synthesis is performed through in vitro transcription (IVT), requiring a DNA template, reaction buffer, and phage RNA polymerase, primarily from T7, SP6, or T3 phages, with T7 being the most common.
Fig.2 Flow chart of circRNA preparation. (CD Formulation)
We will select a cyclization strategy, design cyclization sites, and optimize codons to ensure that the RNA sequence exhibits strong expression and functional properties.
This step involves synthesizing a linear RNA template that will be utilized in the subsequent in vitro transcription (IVT) process, establishing the foundation for the generation of cyclized RNA.
The linear RNA template is transcribed into an RNA product with cyclization potential using in vitro transcription techniques, followed by the cyclization of the RNA with specific enzyme systems.
At this stage, the cyclized RNA is encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) to enhance its stability and delivery efficiency within the cell, thereby ensuring its effective function in biological systems.
Our Circular RNAs are prepared using both solid-phase synthesis technology and enzymatic synthesis technology. Additionally, they undergo characterization through a variety of analytical techniques to ensure their purity and validity. Below are the multiple analytical platforms we utilize.
Technology: Preparation of circRNAs by biosynthetic technology
Journal: Frontiers in microbiology
IF: 4.0
Published: 2020
Results:
CircRNAs can regulate RNA transcription and protein production, as well as sequester microRNAs (miRNAs). Currently, circRNAs are believed to play a role in various biological and pathological processes. Several studies have demonstrated that the expression of host circRNAs is dysregulated in virus-infected cells compared to control cells. It is highly likely that viruses exploit these molecules for their own benefit. Additionally, some viral genes can produce viral circRNAs (VcircRNAs) through a reverse splicing mechanism. However, the viral genes responsible for encoding VcircRNAs and their functions have been minimally studied. The authors summarize the potential of VcircRNAs derived from viruses as biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
Fig.3 Biogenesis of circRNAs. (Nahand J S, et al., 2020)
CD Formulation offers custom synthesis services for circular RNA (circRNA), emphasizing the delivery of high-quality circRNA molecules for research and biotechnology applications. Please feel free to contact us, and we will provide you with a reliable and efficient solution to support your research projects.
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