About this Research Topic
The integrity of our genome must be preserved for cells to survive and function properly. Genome maintenance has traditionally been thought of in terms of interactions between DNA and proteins. Growing evidence indicates that also important is the intricate web of interactions between DNA and RNA metabolism, which plays a significant role in preserving genome stability and disease prevention, and highlights the crucial role of RNA in maintaining the integrity of the genome. RNA-DNA helicases and nucleases are widespread, highly conserved enzymes that require DNA or RNA binding to resolve intermediates made during the DNA and RNA metabolic processes, which include transcription, translation, splicing, editing, and degradation as well as DNA replication, repair, and recombination. They consequently have a significant impact on a variety of cellular processes, including apoptosis, autophagy, cell cycle, DNA repair, gene expression, genome editing, and immune regulation. Importantly, deficiencies in a number of RNA-DNA helicases and nucleases have been associated with immune system and neurological disorders, cancer, infectious diseases, and premature ageing.
Both helicases and nucleases are among the oldest nucleic acid enzymes characterized. Mammalian genomes contain a number of hitherto unidentified proteins that have predicted helicase and nuclease domains. Consequently, new RNA-DNA helicases and nucleases are discovered every year, and it is safe to predict that this trend will continue. Most crucially, RNA-DNA helicases and nucleases have unquestionably developed into essential sentinels, preventing human diseases. Given the recent surge in interest in the development of their inhibitors, as druggable targets for the treatment of cancer and other diseases, it is imperative that we accelerate our understanding of the precise roles played by these enzymes in protecting the genome. We will undoubtedly continue to learn more about these vital enzymes as fascinating new findings are being made with the advent of new cutting-edge technologies. The growth of such information will provide in-depth insights into the roles that altered RNA-DNA metabolism plays in the emergence of disease, providing the way for targeted therapy.
This research topic welcomes a wide variety of article types including original research, review, mini-review, hypothesis and theory, and perspective articles. The aim is to cover recent, novel, cutting-edge, and promising advances in the study of RNA-DNA helicases and nucleases functions in genome maintenance, with further investigation of these enzymes within the context of:
• Resolving conflicts between RNA and DNA metabolic processes
• Resolution of RNA-DNA structural intermediates
• Regulation of genome organization and gene expression
• Preservation of genome and epigenome stability
• Autophagy and apoptosis
• Targeted genome editing
• Disease networks and druggable targets
A full list of accepted article types, including descriptions, can be found at this link.
Both helicases and nucleases are among the oldest nucleic acid enzymes characterized. Mammalian genomes contain a number of hitherto unidentified proteins that have predicted helicase and nuclease domains. Consequently, new RNA-DNA helicases and nucleases are discovered every year, and it is safe to predict that this trend will continue. Most crucially, RNA-DNA helicases and nucleases have unquestionably developed into essential sentinels, preventing human diseases. Given the recent surge in interest in the development of their inhibitors, as druggable targets for the treatment of cancer and other diseases, it is imperative that we accelerate our understanding of the precise roles played by these enzymes in protecting the genome. We will undoubtedly continue to learn more about these vital enzymes as fascinating new findings are being made with the advent of new cutting-edge technologies. The growth of such information will provide in-depth insights into the roles that altered RNA-DNA metabolism plays in the emergence of disease, providing the way for targeted therapy.
This research topic welcomes a wide variety of article types including original research, review, mini-review, hypothesis and theory, and perspective articles. The aim is to cover recent, novel, cutting-edge, and promising advances in the study of RNA-DNA helicases and nucleases functions in genome maintenance, with further investigation of these enzymes within the context of:
• Resolving conflicts between RNA and DNA metabolic processes
• Resolution of RNA-DNA structural intermediates
• Regulation of genome organization and gene expression
• Preservation of genome and epigenome stability
• Autophagy and apoptosis
• Targeted genome editing
• Disease networks and druggable targets
A full list of accepted article types, including descriptions, can be found at this link.
Keywords: Helicase, Nuclease, RNA-DNA Secondary Structure, RNA-DNA Damage Response, DNA Repair, Genome Stability, Human Disease, Precision Medicine
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