This Research Topic is presented on behalf of the EU-CardioRNA COST Action CA17129. Since the discovery of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), this new family of regulatory RNA molecules has gained great attention as a potential source of biomarkers, with the number of publications evaluating the clinical application of circulating ncRNAs as biological markers growing exponentially in recent years. Paradoxically, the biology of the ncRNA family as endocrine signals in blood is far from being completely understood. Although evidence from previous
in vitro and
in vivo studies suggests that circulating ncRNAs may function as intercellular mediators, there are still fundamental gaps that need to be addressed to elucidate the precise role of these molecules as hormone-like mediators. Additional studies are fundamental to explore the function of circulating ncRNAs as mediators of physiological and pathological responses.
The aim of this Research Topic is to provide novel information about the potential role of ncRNAs as endocrine mediators. To achieve this we will address a variety of topics. We do not yet fully understand the cellular machinery involved in the release of ncRNAs in extracellular vesicles, proteins or lipoproteins, the pathways implicated in ncRNA delivery, the target tissue specificity, or how these molecules mediate the physiological and pathological effects in recipient cells. Additionally, we will also explore current technical limitations, and how they can be overcome.
We are interested in original work which explores the development, evaluation, and comparison of protocols for the isolation of ncRNA carriers, evaluation of response induced by extracellular ncRNAs, and quantification of ncRNA expression levels. We welcome submissions in the form of the following article types: Brief Research Report, Editorial, Mini Review, Original Research, Perspective, Review, General Commentary, Hypothesis and Theory, Methods, and Opinion. Submissions should cover, but are not limited to, the following areas:
• The mechanisms that mediate the ncRNA release, including the selection of ncRNAs for secretion, cargo into the transporter and transporter release
• The mechanisms implicated in the physiological or pathological effect of ncRNA on the recipient cell
• Cell/tissue specificity of the ncRNA transporter
• Pathways implicated in ncRNA delivery
• The methodology used for the analysis of extracellular ncRNAs as endocrine mediators, including transporter isolation and evaluation of the response in the recipient cell/tissue
• The Research topic is not only focused on blood/circulation. Analysis of extracellular ncRNA in breast milk, diet and other bodily fluids is also welcome
The Editorial Team for this Research Topic are members of the EU-CardioRNA COST Action CA17129, an interdisciplinary network from 36 countries aiming to accelerate the understanding of transcriptomics in cardiovascular disease and further the translation of experimental data into usable applications to improve personalized medicine in this field (
www.cardiorna.eu).
Doctors de Gonzalo-Calvo and Devaux hold patents related to biomarkers for heart failure.