Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are defined as transcripts longer than 200 nucleotides rarely translatable into protein, which distinguishes them from small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) such as miRNAs, siRNAs, piRNAs, snoRNAs exRNAs, (scaRNAs). Long intervening/intergenic noncoding RNAs (lincRNAs) refer to lncRNA non-overlapped to protein-coding genes. In terms of abundance and specificity, ~30,000 lncRNAs have been identified in human tissues with ~ 10- fold lower abundance than mRNA. Near 80% of lncRNAs show tissue-specific features, in contrast to only less than 20% of mRNAs. In addition to tissue specificity, lncRNAs are also characterized by having significantly higher developmental stage specificity. Of the identified lncRNAs, although only a very small proportion have been validated to be biologically relevant, the emerging evidence has confirmed important regulatory functions at levels of transcription, post transcription, and epigenetic control. Physiologically, lncRNAs are involved in growth, development, reproduction, aging, and pathogenesis of disease initiation and progression, such as neurological disorders and cancers.
In volume 2 of the research topic Non-Coding RNAs and Human Diseases, we focus on lncRNAs and human disease. Investigators in the field of basic, translational and clinical research in lncRNAs are invited to contribute original research articles as well as review articles in the area of neurological disorders, cancers, and cardiac / liver / lung / hematological diseases. Potential topics include but are not limited to:
• Bioinformatic pieplines for identification and characterization of lncRNAs
• Latest technologies for predicting the structure and function of novel lncRNAs in model and non-model organisms particularly mammals.
• lncRNA SNPs and human diseases
• Potential links between the aberrant expression levels of lncRNAs and pathogenesis of some stubborn diseases including cancer, neurological disorders, liver/heart /kidney/lung diseases, etc.
• Recent developments in diagnosis of cancers, neurological diseases, and other genetic diseases with the implications of lncRNAs.
• Targeting or delivery of lncRNAs for therapy of cancer, neurological diseases, etc.
• Epitranscriptome modifications of lncRNAs in reproduction, regeneration, growth, development, and aging.
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are defined as transcripts longer than 200 nucleotides rarely translatable into protein, which distinguishes them from small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) such as miRNAs, siRNAs, piRNAs, snoRNAs exRNAs, (scaRNAs). Long intervening/intergenic noncoding RNAs (lincRNAs) refer to lncRNA non-overlapped to protein-coding genes. In terms of abundance and specificity, ~30,000 lncRNAs have been identified in human tissues with ~ 10- fold lower abundance than mRNA. Near 80% of lncRNAs show tissue-specific features, in contrast to only less than 20% of mRNAs. In addition to tissue specificity, lncRNAs are also characterized by having significantly higher developmental stage specificity. Of the identified lncRNAs, although only a very small proportion have been validated to be biologically relevant, the emerging evidence has confirmed important regulatory functions at levels of transcription, post transcription, and epigenetic control. Physiologically, lncRNAs are involved in growth, development, reproduction, aging, and pathogenesis of disease initiation and progression, such as neurological disorders and cancers.
In volume 2 of the research topic Non-Coding RNAs and Human Diseases, we focus on lncRNAs and human disease. Investigators in the field of basic, translational and clinical research in lncRNAs are invited to contribute original research articles as well as review articles in the area of neurological disorders, cancers, and cardiac / liver / lung / hematological diseases. Potential topics include but are not limited to:
• Bioinformatic pieplines for identification and characterization of lncRNAs
• Latest technologies for predicting the structure and function of novel lncRNAs in model and non-model organisms particularly mammals.
• lncRNA SNPs and human diseases
• Potential links between the aberrant expression levels of lncRNAs and pathogenesis of some stubborn diseases including cancer, neurological disorders, liver/heart /kidney/lung diseases, etc.
• Recent developments in diagnosis of cancers, neurological diseases, and other genetic diseases with the implications of lncRNAs.
• Targeting or delivery of lncRNAs for therapy of cancer, neurological diseases, etc.
• Epitranscriptome modifications of lncRNAs in reproduction, regeneration, growth, development, and aging.