Non-coding RNAs in Disease Mechanisms and Therapeutics

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), encompassing a diverse class of RNA molecules such as microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), do not code for proteins but play crucial roles in regulating gene expression. Their involvement in gene silencing, transcriptional activation, and post-transcriptional modification underlines a complex regulatory network that impacts various cellular processes and pathologies. Recent studies underscore the pertinence of ncRNAs in the pathology of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and other significant health conditions including infectious diseases and neurodegenerative disorders, revealing their potentials as biomarkers and therapeutic targets. The intricate roles of ncRNAs in the tumor microenvironment, angiogenesis, and cellular communication via exosomes highlight a particular area of interest for investigating disease mechanisms and identifying new therapeutic avenues. The primary goal of this Research Topic is to delve into the dynamic roles of noncoding RNAs in the molecular mechanisms underlying different diseases and elucidate their therapeutic potential. Despite substantial progress, the integration of ncRNA-based strategies into clinical practices remains nascent. The key objective is to foster advancements in understanding ncRNA contributions to disease pathology and harness these insights for therapeutic innovations. Contributions to this topic should aim to highlight recent advances in the field, particularly integrative analyses that elucidate complex ncRNA interactions, such as circRNA-miRNA-mRNA networks in cancers and ncRNA roles in post-myocardial infarction remodeling.

Ultimately, this topic seeks to bridge gaps between translational research and clinical application, propelling ncRNA research into actionable therapeutic strategies.

This Research Topic invites original research papers, reviews, and brief reports that address several key themes within the realm of non-coding RNAs related to disease mechanisms and therapeutic applications. Specific areas of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Mechanistic Insights into ncRNA Function: Studies delineating the role of ncRNAs in disease progression, focusing on cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and other significant conditions.

• ncRNA as Therapeutic Targets and Biomarkers: Contributions exploring how
ncRNAs can be utilized in therapy or as biomarkers for early disease detection or prognosis.

• Technological Advances in ncRNA Research: Papers detailing new methodologies for the detection, quantification, and functional analysis of ncRNAs.

• Integrated Network Analyses with biological verification experiments: Articles presenting integrated analyses (such as circRNA-miRNA-mRNA interactions) that provide insights into the complex regulatory roles of ncRNAs in diseases.

• Clinical Translation: Studies discussing the challenges and opportunities in translating ncRNA research from the bench to the bedside, including therapeutic delivery mechanisms.

We encourage submissions of comprehensive reviews that contextualize current advances, original research articles presenting novel findings, and commentaries on the future directions of ncRNA research. The goal is to create a diverse collection of manuscripts that collectively advance our understanding of ncRNA roles in health and disease and push forward the frontier of their therapeutic potential.