Abstract IA09: The particulars of circulars: Novel RNAs from oncogenic herpesviruses

Abstract

Abstract Circular RNAs (circRNA) are formed by backsplicing of linear RNA. Due to their covalently joined cyclized nature, circRNAs are resistant to exonucleases and therefore comparatively more stable than their linear counterparts. Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV/HHV8) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV/HHV4) have recently been found by RNA sequencing to generate circular RNAs (circRNAs) in infected tissues and cell lines. These molecules represent a novel class of viral RNA that may have a more sustained functional role than linear transcripts. Initial characterization shows that circRNAs are expressed in infection-associated diseases and can be regulated depending on virus life cycle—although the quantity, localization, cell type, and viral life cycle expression of individual circRNAs vary considerably. Some viral circRNAs are incorporated into viral particles for preformed delivery, suggesting a potential function in early infection. Citation Format: Yuan Chang. The particulars of circulars: Novel RNAs from oncogenic herpesviruses [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on the Microbiome, Viruses, and Cancer; 2020 Feb 21-24; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(8 Suppl):Abstract nr IA09.