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ABSTRACT
Introduction
Ischemic stroke is a life-threatening condition worldwide, including China. Nowadays, intravenous thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy are chiefly applied as clinical therapeutics; however, strict time windows and underlying risks limit their benefits for patients. Thus, it is urgently needed to seek new effective targets for stroke to improve clinical outcomes.
Areas covered
Circular RNAs have recently emerged as ideal therapeutic candidates for ischemic stroke with high stability and evolutionary conservation in the brain tissue. The neurovascular unit is a microscopic and complex three-dimensional domain key in the processes of this disease, and reflects diverse structures and functions of the brain tissue. During the progression of ischemic stroke, circular RNAs are extensively involved in the responses of the neurovascular unit including atherosclerosis, neuroinflammation, apoptosis, and neurogenesis. Additionally, they display diagnostic, monitoring, therapeutic, and prognostic effects in the occurrence of and recovery from the disease.
Expert opinion
Exploration of circular RNAs and their correlated effects in ischemic stroke may facilitate accurate diagnosis and serve as new therapeutic targets for the disease.
Article highlights
• Alterations in circRNAs expression profile in the process of ischemic stroke demonstrate their potential as biomarkers in the diagnosis and surveillance of the disease.
• CircRNAs play versatile roles in the pathophysiology of ischemic stroke by regulating atherosclerosis, neuroinflammation, apoptosis, and neurogenesis.
• CircRNAs may serve as potential therapeutic and prognostic targets for ischemic stroke.
Declaration of interest
The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.
Reviewer disclosures
Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.