Circular RNAs in depression: Biogenesis, function, expression, and therapeutic potential

Depression is the second most common disease burden worldwide that threatens human health; however, mechanisms underlying the development of depression remain unclear. A family of non-coding RNAs, circular RNAs (circRNAs), has been shown to play a critical role in the development of depression by competitively binding to certain microRNAs (miRNA) and regulating the expression of target genes. Behavioral symptoms of depression may be ameliorated by knockdown or overexpression of depression-associated circRNAs. In this review, we summarized important functions of circRNAs and analyzed the most recent findings regarding the expression and biological function of circRNAs in depression. We discussed novel circRNA-based strategies to illuminate potential therapeutic targets that may aid in the development of new treatments for depression.

Automated summary

circRNAs play a crucial role in the development of depression by regulating the expression of target genes and impacting behavioral symptoms. Current research is exploring the potential therapeutic role of circRNAs in depression, which may offer insight into the development of new treatment options.