fig1

Figure 1. The types of functions of circRNAs in the nucleus and cytoplasm. (a) Modulate Transcription. The EicircRNA/EcircRNA binds U1 snRNP and RNA polymerase II to regulate the parental gene transcription in the nucleus. (b) miRNA sponge. In the cytoplasm, circRNAs sponge the target miRNAs, sequestering and inhibiting miRNA function, thereby regulating gene expression. (c) Protein scaffold. CircRNAs bind to RBPs and serve as scaffolds for the assembly of protein complexes, participating in signaling or cellular structure maintenance. (d) Protein translation. CircRNAs encode functional peptides or proteins via mechanisms such as internal ribosome entry sites (IRES), participating in cellular physiological processes. Created in BioRender, https://BioRender.com/mc4x7y4.