Characterisation of novel Y chromosome-linked circular RNA TTTY15 in the context of coronary artery disease
Year: 2024
Type: dissertation
Abstract: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of death worldwide. Characterised as narrowing of the coronary arteries that results obstruction, lack of blood flow and ischemic injury. CAD progression is regulated by a host of complex molecular pathways pertaining to inflammation, lipid disturbance and cellular dysfunction. Recently, circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been implicated in the regulation of these CAD-associated molecular pathways. CircRNAs represent a relatively recent discovery in the realm of non-coding RNAs, challenging the initial misconception that they are ‘by-products’ of mRNA splicing. Instead, these circRNA molecules have emerged as critical regulators of gene expression in various diseases, spanning from cancers to heart disease. CircRNAs exert their regulatory functions through several mechanisms. They can act as 'miRNA sponges,' sequestering microRNAs (miRNAs) and preventing them from regulating their target genes. Additionally, circRNAs interact with RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), modulating RNA stability and localisation. Some circRNAs also function as 'protein sponges,' influencing protein expression and gene regulation. While circRNAs have gained recognition in the context of obstructive cardiovascular diseases like CAD and atherosclerosis, no circRNAs derived from the Y chromosome have been experimentally characterised in this context. The Y chromosome, typically associated with male-specific traits and sexual development, remains relatively unexplored but recently has been implicated in the regulation of human diseases, including cardiovascular diseases. The exploration of Y-linked circRNAs represents a promising avenue for advancing our understanding of male-specific diseases and may open new possibilities for personalised health interventions.
Author: McInerney, Molly-Rose
Language: English
Topic: Circular RNAs in diseases
Subfield: Molecular Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W6999103174