Circular RNAs (circRNAs) represent a new class of usually noncoding transcripts with largely unknown functions. Their research is hampered not least by the inapplicability of traditional analytical methods. Herein we describe a rapid and easy assay for the detection of natural circRNA, based on rolling‐circle amplification (RCA). This technique does not require the use of fluorescently labeled RNA or DNA and can specifically detect circular RNA in the presence of a 1000‐fold excess of the same linear RNA. Only standard devices such as (quantitative) PCR cyclers and gel electrophoresis are used.
Circular RNA (circRNA) represents a group of long non-coding RNAs with specific biological functions. The investigation of this class of RNAs is very challenging as they are often poorly expressed and in the simultaneous presence of their linear counterparts. Rolling circle amplification (RCA) has been little used so far for this application, but it makes ideal use of the specific properties of circRNAs. Moreover, it can be combined with all other common PCR methods.
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