B cell development and function is governed by intricate layers of gene expression control, where RNA regulation plays a pivotal and dynamic role. In B cells, non-coding RNAs like microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) are essential for maintaining the balance between proliferation, differentiation, and survival. Crucially, RNA-Binding Proteins (RBPs) are central orchestrators of this regulatory symphony. RBPs recognize and bind to specific RNA sequences, thereby dictating the fate of the target transcripts- their splicing, stability, localization, and translation. This delicate RNA regulatory network is frequently dysregulated in B cell derived malignancies. Altered expression patterns of specific ncRNAs can act either as oncogenes or tumor suppressors, contributing directly to malignant transformation, unchecked proliferation, and resistance to therapy. Furthermore, the expression and function of key RBPs are often aberrantly regulated in these cancers, thereby disrupting the post-transcriptional landscape, leading to the pathological expression of genes that promote cell survival and dampen immune responses. Thus, studying the disruption of RBP-RNA interactions is currently recognized as a critical axis in B cell oncogenesis.
The primary objective of this research topic is to create a focused collection of research dedicated to the complete post-transcriptional regulatory network in B cells across both physiological and pathological (malignant) conditions. Given the therapeutic potentials of ncRNAs and RBPs in B cell neoplasms, this compilation would provide researchers and clinicians a critical resource for the development of innovative diagnostic and prognostic tools, as well as precision medicine strategies for B cell malignancies.
The scope of the topic includes, but is not limited to the following critical areas:
1. Fundamental B cell transcriptional control: • Involvement of ncRNAs and RBPs in normal B cell development, differentiation, maturation, and function • Involvement of RNA regulation in immune response- class switching, somatic hypermutation, and germinal center reaction
2. Molecular pathogenesis of B cell malignancies: • Oncogenic and tumor suppressor function of ncRNAs and RBPs • Mechanistic insights into the dysregulated ncRNA and RBP functions • The role of RNA dysregulation in the acquisition of therapy resistance
3. Translational and therapeutic potentials: • Validation of ncRNAs and RBPs as non-invasive diagnostic, prognostic, or predictive biomarkers in B cell malignancies. • Novel therapeutic strategies targeting ncRNAs and RBPs for B cell cancer treatment. • Innovative delivery strategies for RNA-based therapeutics to malignant B cells.
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