About this Research Topic
Post-transcriptional regulation contains multiple mechanisms, including (1) Selective processing of newly transcribed intranuclear heterogeneous RNA (hnRNA). (2) Alternative splicing. (3) Transportation to the cytoplasm for translation and nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of RNAs. (4) Compartmentalization of RNAs (e.g. P-bodies or GW-bodies, phase separation). (5) RNA-binding protein-mediated controlling of RNA metabolism. (6) RNA decay. (7) Epigenetic regulations, which include methylation and ncRNAs. These mechanisms may influence cellular processes and functions, and their misregulations are causes of cell dysfunctions.
The research emphasis on post-transcriptional regulation and its misregulation has led to a paradigm shift in translational medical therapy researches. Indeed, inhibiting the expression of a disease driver protein at the mRNA expression level is a validated approach. Post-transcriptional regulation also provides a basis for pharmacological and genetic manipulation towards therapeutic outcomes. Post-transcriptional regulation-based elements, which including small molecules and ncRNAs have the feasibility to become therapeutic targets themselves. As a target, they may be interfered with by other RNAs or small molecules, leading to a change in expression or function. While some challenges remain, such as stability, intracellular delivery, and immune response activation, post-transcriptional regulation-based drugs can change the landscape of medications.
In this Research Topic, the following topics will be covered:
1) Novel mechanisms of post-transcriptional regulation
2) Post-transcriptional regulation and cell functions
3) Misregulation of post-transcriptional regulation and consequences
4) Novel techniques of post-transcriptional regulation research
The article may be a(n):
• Commentary, which could be provocative to encourage discussion and debate on topics that are deemed by the authors to be controversial. A commentary needs to address critical issues, challenges, and future directions in the topic areas.
• Perspective or review article to cover important topic areas.
• Original Research Article consisting of mechanistic studies or development of new agents.
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