Circular RNA: new progress in intervention of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury

Circular RNA (circRNA) is a new type of endogenous non-coding RNA. Its structure is a circular shape formed by the covalent bond between its 3' and 5' ends RNA. Because of its stable structure, wide distribution and specific and sequential expression of tissues, it has attracted much attention of scientists. Studies have shown that circular RNA plays an important role in myocardial cell ischemia-reperfusion injury and it may be a potential therapeutic target and biomarker for I/R. This article reviews the circRNA formation pathway, functions and its role and mechanism in ischemia-reperfusion injury and the related aspects of traditional Chinese medicine.