Functions of RNA and RNA-Binding Proteins in Disease

The interaction between RNA and RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) has long been a focus of research. RNA exhibits remarkable diversity, ranging from protein-coding mRNAs to various forms of non-coding RNAs such as circRNAs, microRNAs, and lncRNAs, all of which play extensive regulatory roles within cells. In pathological contexts including cancer, viral infections, neurodegenerative diseases, and autoimmune disorders, these nucleic acid molecules reshape cellular states at multiple levels. RBPs are essential molecular machines that maintain RNA homeostasis and function. Through specific binding to RNA, they participate in key processes including RNA splicing, editing, transport, localization, stability regulation, translational control, and degradation.

RNAs and RBPs together form complex regulatory networks that are central to maintaining cellular homeostasis and enabling responses to external stimuli. Alterations in RNA–RBP interactions are frequently critical drivers of disease initiation and progression. By modulating cellular metabolism, cell cycle, differentiation, and the immune microenvironment, these molecular interactions provide unique insights into disease mechanisms and represent potential targets for therapeutic intervention.

This collection aims to present recent advances in elucidating the roles of RNAs and RBPs in disease, encompassing mechanistic studies, high-throughput omics analyses, structural and functional characterizations, validation in disease models, and clinical translational potential. We invite the submission of recent findings to collectively advance RNA biology in disease research.

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• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
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Article types

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

• Brief Research Report
• 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, RNA-Binding, RBPs

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