The ARHGAP10-202aa protein encoded by circARHGAP10 promotes skeletal muscle development and regeneration

Liyin Zhang; Yaoyao Ma; Dandan Zhong; Liangchen Gao; Ke Huang; Xinxin Li; Zhipeng Li; Jieping Huang; Hui Li; Ningbo Chen; Jian Wang

doi:10.1016/j.jgg.2026.01.008

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The ARHGAP10-202aa protein encoded by circARHGAP10 promotes skeletal muscle development and regeneration

doi: 10.1016/j.jgg.2026.01.008

a. Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding, Disease Control and Prevention, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi 530004, China;
b. Institute of Scientific Research, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi 530004, China;
c. Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China

Funds:

The present study was supported by the National Key R&

D Program of China (2024YFF1000102 and 2024YFD1301600), the Guangxi Natural Science Foundation (2024GXNSFBA010422, 2024GXNSFFA010018, and 2025GXNSFBA069202), and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (32302701, 32472863, and 32102514).

Received Date: 2025-07-30
Accepted Date: 2026-01-21
Rev Recd Date: 2026-01-20

Available Online: 2026-01-30

Abstract

Abstract

Muscle growth and development are fundamental biological processes with significant implications for both human health and livestock production. Although circular RNAs (circRNAs) have long been regarded as noncoding RNAs, recent studies suggest that some circRNAs possess protein-coding potential. However, the biological roles and mechanisms of circRNA-encoded proteins remain poorly understood. Here, we identify circARHGAP10 as a protein-coding circRNA in cattle skeletal muscle that encodes a 202-amino acid protein, ARHGAP10-202aa, through an internal ribosome entry site (IRES)-dependent mechanism. ARHGAP10-202aa expression is confirmed by in vitro translation, immunodetection with a specific antibody, and Western blotting analysis. Functional assays reveal that ARHGAP10-202aa interacts with myosin light chain 6 (MYL6) to promote myoblast differentiation. Moreover, in vivo overexpression of ARHGAP10-202aa significantly enhances MYL6 expression and accelerates the regeneration of injured tibialis anterior muscle in mice. These findings not only expand our understanding of the role of circRNAs in muscle biology but also underscore the functional significance of circRNA-encoded proteins in muscle recovery and regeneration.
- CircRNA,
- Translation,
- ARHGAP10-202aa,
- Myogenesis,
- Muscle differentiation

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