Unraveling RNA-DNA Interplay in Cancer: Integrative Omics and Therapeutic Perspectives

The field of RNA-DNA interactions plays a crucial role in defining transcriptional landscapes, epigenetic states, genomic stability, and cell adaptation. These processes are often altered in cancer, leading to oncogenic transformations. Recent studies have shown the significant impact of aberrations in RNA-mediated mechanisms, such as non-coding RNAs, RNA modifications, and R-loop dynamics, in tumorigenesis. Despite these advancements, understanding the complete mechanistic underpinnings of such interactions remains a significant challenge. Current research leveraging integrative omics approaches and functional studies is beginning to provide a systems-level understanding of RNA-DNA crosstalk. This emerging knowledge is essential for identifying molecular drivers of malignancy and potential therapeutic targets. However, there is still a need for comprehensive exploration of these complex mechanisms.

This Research Topic aims to compile innovative studies that delve into the biological and therapeutic implications of RNA-DNA and RNA-chromatin interactions within the context of cancer. The goal is to address specific questions regarding their mechanistic roles and assess their potential as therapeutic targets. Research will focus on novel methodologies, integrative omics approaches for understanding mechanisms, and translational applications in cancer therapy. Bringing together this range of studies can enhance comprehension of the RNA-DNA interactions and their utility in advancing cancer treatment strategies.

To gather further insights regarding the boundaries and limitations of this inquiry, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

- Development or application of novel technologies to map or manipulate RNA-DNA/chromatin crosstalk in cancer.
- Use of integrative omics (e.g., epigenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics) to study RNA-guided regulation of chromatin and genome function.
- Functional consequences of R-loops, lncRNAs, or RNA modifications in cancer-related genomic regulation.
- Therapeutic approaches targeting RNA-DNA interactions (e.g., small molecules, antisense oligonucleotides, or CRISPR-based tools).
- Computational or systems biology approaches to predict RNA-DNA regulatory networks.


Please note: Manuscripts consisting solely of bioinformatics, computational analysis, or predictions of public databases that are not accompanied by validation (independent clinical or patient cohort, or biological validation in vitro or in vivo, which are not based on public databases), are not suitable for publication in this journal.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: RNA:DNA interactions, systems biology, integrative omics, R-loops, lncRNAs

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.