Fig. 2: Regulatory mechanisms of circRNAs functions.
From: Emerging functions of circular RNA in the regulation of adipocyte metabolism and obesity
A circRNAs can act as miRNA sponges, decreasing the ability of miRNAs to target mRNAs. B circRNAs may recruit the RNA polymerase II (Pol II) and U1 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (U1 snRNP) to the promoter of the host gene to facilitate their host gene transcription. C circRNAs might bound by ribosomes and translate into small peptides. D circRNAs can function as RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) scaffolds and indirectly modulate these proteins functions.
