Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) represent a new class of usually noncoding transcripts with largely unknown functions. Their research is hampered not least by the inapplicability of traditional analytical methods. Herein we describe a rapid and easy assay for the detection of natural circRNA, based on rolling-circle amplification (RCA). This technique does not require the use of fluorescently labeled RNA or DNA and can specifically detect circular RNA in the presence of a 1000-fold excess of the same linear RNA. Only standard devices such as (quantitative) PCR cyclers and gel electrophoresis are used.