Crosstalk between circRNAs and the classic signaling pathways in IBD

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the gastrointestinal tract with a complex aetiology involving genetic, environmental (such as diet/lifestyle), and microbiota factors. The exact pathogenesis of IBD remains unclear, and current therapies show limited effectiveness. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a novel class of noncoding RNAs that have been implicated in the regulation of various biological processes. Many circRNAs show specific expression profiles in IBD patients and play important roles in IBD pathogenesis through different signalling pathways, such as the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathways. Although research on circRNAs in IBD is still in its early stages, many circRNAs have emerged as potential diagnostic, prognostic biomarkers, and therapeutic targets for IBD. Here, we summarize the molecular functions and underlying mechanisms of circRNAs in IBD and discuss current challenges and future perspectives for clinical applications.

Evidence level

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

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