Mini Review: Novel roles for RNA editing in the course of RNA metabolism

Accurate transcription of genetic information into RNA molecules is vital for proper cellular function. Sequences of RNA serve as templates for the ribosomal translation of proteomes, which execute basic biological tasks. Following RNA synthesis, mature RNA molecules are generated through various RNA processing events. A critical component of the collection of processes involving RNA species, broadly defined as RNA metabolism, is the RNA editing pathway. Acting specifically on double-stranded RNA substrates, RNA editing has the capacity to regulate a plethora of transcriptional outputs, including genomic recoding, RNA splicing, biogenesis and targeting actions of micro RNAs and small interfering RNAs, and global gene expression. Recent evidence suggests that RNA modifications mediated via RNA editing influence the biogenesis of circular RNAs and safeguard from aberrant innate immune responses induced by foreign RNA sources. These novel roles have the potential to contribute new insights into molecular mechanisms underlying RNA editing-mediated pathogenesis. Here, we provide a mini review on the recent advances in the field, which highlight novel roles associated with the RNA editing process and emphasize their importance during cellular RNA metabolism. In addition, we evaluate the relevance of these newly discovered roles in the context of neurological disorders and autoimmune diseases.