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. 2023 Aug 16;42(38):2783–2800. doi: 10.1038/s41388-023-02780-w

Fig. 4. Biological functions of circRNAs.

Fig. 4

CircRNAs can work as multifunctional devices serving as transcription regulators of their parental genes (1), as microRNA sponges affecting genes post-transcriptionally (2), or as translated short peptides/proteins (3). Additionally, circRNAs can affect the stability of other RNA molecules (mRNAs or lncRNAs) (4), accumulate inside of exosomes and mediate cellular response (5), engage with RBPs and acting as either decoy (6), or scaffold molecules (7), as well as directing RBP cellular localization (8). Adapted from “DNA vs mRNA Transfection”, by BioRender.com (2022). Retrieved from https://app.biorender.com/biorender-templates.