Circular RNA Feedback Circuits in Mechanical Force Transduction to Gene Expression: Prospects and Challenges in Biotechnology

Rani Darmayanti

Authors

Rani Darmayanti Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Pasuruan, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6318-5370

Keywords:

circRNA, Mechanotransduction, YAP1 Pathway, Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation, Biotechnology Education

Abstract

The emergence of mechanobiology has highlighted the critical role of physical forces in governing cellular functions, yet the underlying molecular integration remains complex. This study explores the regulatory mechanisms of circular RNAs (circRNAs), specifically focusing on the circELP2-mediated feedback loop in translating mechanical stimuli into genomic responses. The primary objective is to synthesize current literature on how mechanical forces, such as stiffness and tension, trigger Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation (LLPS) through the YAP1 signaling pathway and circRNA interaction. Employing a systematic literature review methodology, this research analyzes recent biotechnological breakthroughs and experimental data regarding the circRNA-TRIM25-YAP1 axis. The results reveal that circELP2 acts as a crucial molecular scaffold that facilitates protein sequestration and phase separation, thereby modulating cytoskeletal remodeling and downstream gene expression of MYH9 and Myo1c. This feedback circuit underscores a sophisticated layer of epigenetic control that maintains cellular homeostasis under mechanical stress. In conclusion, understanding these circRNA-based mechanical circuits offers significant prospects for industrial biotechnology and regenerative medicine, while presenting challenges in precise molecular targeting. These findings provide a robust foundation for integrating advanced mechanobiological concepts into specialized biotechnological curricula and research-based instructional frameworks.

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