Circular RNA biomarkers in cardiovascular disease

Abstract

Despite medical advancements, heart disease continues to be a primary cause of death globally. While early detection and continuous monitoring are essential for better patient outcomes, current biological markers, such as cardiac troponins and BNP, have shortcomings, including their temporary nature and susceptibility to various factors, such as patient age and other medical conditions. This limitation has motivated scientists to identify new biological indicators and treatment targets that better represent the underlying heart disease mechanisms. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have recently been identified as key regulatory molecules in various illnesses, including cardiac conditions. These unique noncoding RNA molecules feature a closed circular structure that makes them exceptionally stable and resistant to breakdown. Their durability, specific expression patterns in different tissues, and preservation across species make them promising candidates both as disease markers and potential therapeutic tools for heart conditions. The scientific interest in the role of circRNAs in cardiovascular disease has increased significantly, with studies revealing their involvement in controlling genes and disease development. This comprehensive review examines circRNAs in heart disease, covering their formation, functional mechanisms, and potential clinical applications as disease markers. This paper discusses recent scientific discoveries highlighting their value in diagnosis and prognosis, addresses the difficulties in moving these findings into medical practice and explores future possibilities for the use of circRNAs in heart disease diagnosis and treatment.