Figure 2.

Prospective regulatory network of circRNAs in SLE

There are several valuable and interesting points in the network. (A and B) The aberrant epigenetic modifications as well as anomalously expressed transcription factors and RBPs in SLE may be specific factors to explicate the dysregulation of circRNAs. (C) The binding between circRNAs and some nuclear RBPs may affect the production of antinuclear antibodies. (D) Co-operating with or modulating the epigenetic modifications of circRNAs in SLE may be responsible for the unusual level of some disease-related genes. (E) Acting as miRNA sponges is still the hottest topic on circRNAs currently. (F) Peptides or proteins encoded by circRNAs may either function in original cells or transmit to body fluid and target cells to exert roles.