Role of Non-coding RNAs in Lipid Metabolism and Metabolic Reprogramming in Cancer

Lipid metabolism is a vital process in cell homeostasis and survival. It involves lipid biosynthesis and storage, energy production, membrane formation, and hormone synthesis, among others. However, tumor cells remodel themselves due to constant oncogenic events and metabolic factors of the tumor microenvironment to fuel the complex physiological processes that sustain uncontrolled growth and proliferation, such as to meet increased energy demands obtained from lipids and to enhance cancer progression. Over recent decades, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have transitioned from being perceived as genomic 'junk' to being recognized as master regulators of gene expression. These ncRNAs are now known to participate in several significant biological processes, including alterations in lipid metabolism and metabolic reprogramming, yet their precise role in these modifications within tumor cells, especially concerning lipid utilization, remains unclear.

This Research Topic aims to elucidate the intricate biological role of ncRNAs in lipid metabolism and metabolic reprogramming, and their regulation and behavior as key molecules for malignant transformation in various types of cancer. Additionally, this Research Topic strives to uncover potential new biomarkers and therapeutic targets, promising profound clinical implications for ncRNAs as regulators of lipid metabolism in cancer. We aim to collect various innovative and pioneering studies with different observational, experimental, and in silico prediction approaches that highlight the biological importance and clinical implications of ncRNAs in lipid metabolic reprogramming, both in solid and non-solid tumors.

We welcome submissions of original research, review, mini review, systematic review, method, clinical trial, general commentary, or perspective articles. We encourage submissions that broaden the landscape of under-reported ncRNAs in an emerging hallmark of cancer to identify new biomarkers or therapeutic targets for clinical research in different malignant neoplasms. Key themes will include:

- Endocrine, metabolic, nutrient, and hormonal alterations

- Cholesterol and triglycerides metabolism

- Overweight and obesity

- Solid and non-solid tumors

- Tumor microenvironment

- Diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers

- Possible treatments

Ultimately, the scope of this Research Topic offers researchers insights into new hypotheses, cultivating a meaningful landscape within various medical, clinical, academic, and basic scientific areas.

Article types and fees

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

• Brief Research Report
• Clinical Trial
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• ... 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
• Clinical Trial
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: non-coding RNA, long non-coding RNA, microRNA, circular RNA, lipid metabolism, lipid metabolic reprogramming, lipid biosynthesis, lipid storage, lipid metabolic pathways, fatty acid metabolism, cholesterol metabolism, triglyceride metabolism, cancer, overweight, obesity, prognostic marker, hormone synthesis

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.