About this Research Topic
Aging is a process of gradual organismal decay and is generally considered to be irreversible. Non-canonical nucleic acid structures, such as G-quadruplexes, i-motifs, Z-DNA, triplexes, cruciforms, R-loops and others play a vital role in many molecular processes. They take important part in DNA replication, regulate gene expression on many levels, and contribute to fine tuning of molecular interaction networks. On the other hand, still only little is known about the connection of non-canonical nucleic acid structures and aging processes in general.
In this research topic, we aim to provide open and friendly forum for dissemination of the latest knowledge and data related to possible roles of non-canonical nucleic acid structures in molecular and biological aging processes, not only in humans, but also in other groups of organisms (animals, plants, fungi, protists, bacteria and archaea). We expect involvement of complementary method approaches, both bioinformatics, in vitro, and in vivo, to shed a complex light on particular non-canonical nucleic acid structures in aging processes. The research outcomes will drive new insights into molecular biology of aging and hopefully will led to new avenues in life (and its quality) extension efforts.
We welcome expert scientists in the field to submit their original research, systematic review, classic review, mini review, perspective, general commentary, opinion article, methods, data report, case report, brief research report, or hypothesis highlighting one or more of the following (but not limited to):
• Bioinformatics of non-canonical nucleic acid structures related to aging processes
• Wet-lab omics approaches applied to non-canonical nucleic acid structures in aging
• Dynamic changes and biophysics of non-canonical nucleic acid structures in aging
• Non-canonical nucleic acid structures in telomere biology
• Structural biology (RTG, NMR, cryoEM, in silico) of non-canonical nucleic acid structures related to aging
• Strategies to utilize non-canonical nucleic acid structures in aging research and drug development
In this research topic, we aim to provide open and friendly forum for dissemination of the latest knowledge and data related to possible roles of non-canonical nucleic acid structures in molecular and biological aging processes, not only in humans, but also in other groups of organisms (animals, plants, fungi, protists, bacteria and archaea). We expect involvement of complementary method approaches, both bioinformatics, in vitro, and in vivo, to shed a complex light on particular non-canonical nucleic acid structures in aging processes. The research outcomes will drive new insights into molecular biology of aging and hopefully will led to new avenues in life (and its quality) extension efforts.
We welcome expert scientists in the field to submit their original research, systematic review, classic review, mini review, perspective, general commentary, opinion article, methods, data report, case report, brief research report, or hypothesis highlighting one or more of the following (but not limited to):
• Bioinformatics of non-canonical nucleic acid structures related to aging processes
• Wet-lab omics approaches applied to non-canonical nucleic acid structures in aging
• Dynamic changes and biophysics of non-canonical nucleic acid structures in aging
• Non-canonical nucleic acid structures in telomere biology
• Structural biology (RTG, NMR, cryoEM, in silico) of non-canonical nucleic acid structures related to aging
• Strategies to utilize non-canonical nucleic acid structures in aging research and drug development
Keywords: Non-B DNA, Epigenetics, Aging, Regulation
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
