Story perspectives

New Circular RNAs Discovered in Human Microbial Communities

10/28/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Scientists have identified a new category of circular RNAs, called obelisks, in human-associated microbial communities, especially in oral samples.
Each obelisk is about one thousand genetic letters long and can encode proteins.
The presence of hammerhead ribozymes in some obelisks suggests a potential for self-replication.
Streptococcus sanguinis may host obelisks, which persist over time, indicating a stable relationship.
The full study was published in Cell.

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Story summary

Scientists have identified a new category of circular RNAs, called obelisks, in human-associated microbial communities, especially in oral samples.
Each obelisk is about one thousand genetic letters long and can encode proteins.
The presence of hammerhead ribozymes in some obelisks suggests a potential for self-replication.
Streptococcus sanguinis may host obelisks, which persist over time, indicating a stable relationship.
The full study was published in Cell.