novel transcript, sense intronic to ZNF609 (circular RNA ZNF609) (circ-ZNF609)

The novel transcript, sense intronic to ZNF609 (circ-ZNF609) is a circular RNA generated by back-splicing from exon 2 of the ZNF609 gene on chromosome 15q22.31. Unlike linear RNAs, circ-ZNF609 forms a closed loop structure and can function as a molecular sponge, binding and sequestering microRNAs, thus modulating their regulatory effects on gene expression. It has also been shown to have a coding open reading frame and, under certain conditions (such as cellular stress), can be translated into protein via an internal ribosome entry site (IRES)–dependent, cap-independent mechanism. circ-ZNF609 is associated with regulation of myoblast proliferation and has been implicated in muscle development, as well as in several cancers and muscle pathologies such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy. It does not fit conventional categories like receptor, enzyme, transporter, or typical therapeutic targets, but may have roles in cellular regulation and disease pathology through its interaction with microRNAs and translation potential.

Other names

circ-ZNF609circular RNA ZNF609