CircPrimer 2.0: a software for annotating circRNAs and predicting translation potential of circRNAs

Abstract

Background: Some circular RNAs (circRNAs) can be translated into functional peptides by small open reading frames (ORFs) in a cap-independent manner. Internal ribosomal entry site (IRES) and N6-methyladenosine (m6A) were reported to drive translation of circRNAs. Experimental methods confirming the presence of IRES and m6A site are time consuming and labor intensive. Lacking computational tools to predict ORFs, IRESs and m6A sites for circRNAs makes it harder. Results: In this report, we present circPrimer 2.0, a Java based software for annotating circRNAs and predicting ORFs, IRESs, and m6A sites of circRNAs. circPrimer 2.0 has a graphical and a command-line interface that enables the tool to be embed into an analysis pipeline. Conclusions: circprimer 2.0 is an easy-to-use software for annotating circRNAs and predicting translation potential of circRNAs, and freely available at www.bio-inf.cn.