What are the functions of circRNAs?

These RNA have a role in modulating gene expression and mRNA stability in eukaryotes since they interact with RNA-binding proteins. For example, they can microRNA sponges, binding to and inhibiting the activity of microRNAs, regulating the expression of their target genes. CircaRNAs are also able to encode proteins. They also are able to minimize interactions between miRNA and the target genes. Thus, they behave as competing endogenous RNA. Circular RNAs also play a critical role in the development and progression of tumors through the ceRNA (competing endogenous RNA) mechanism. These RNAs  have also been shown to have roles in regulating autophagy, cell proliferation, and pyroptosis.