Cancer biology has entered a new era of discovery driven by the study of RNA regulatory networks. Non-coding RNAs, RNA-binding proteins, and RNA modifications orchestrate intricate molecular interactions that shape gene expression, signal transduction, and thereby tumor progression. Beyond the classical view of RNA as a mere intermediary between DNA and proteins, mounting evidence highlights RNA’s active role in oncogenesis, metastasis, immune modulation, and therapeutic resistance. However, despite rapid advances, the complexity of RNA-mediated regulatory systems remains only partially understood, warranting further exploration through integrative molecular, computational, and translational research.
This Research Topic aims to elucidate the dynamic interplay between RNA molecules and their interacting partners—DNA, proteins, and other RNAs—in the context of cancer. By investigating these networks, we seek to uncover novel RNA targets and mechanisms that govern tumor initiation and evolution. The topic will further explore how understanding these interactions can revolutionize precision oncology through innovative RNA-based diagnostics and therapeutics, including RNA interference, antisense oligonucleotides, and CRISPR-Cas–guided RNA modulation
To gather further insights into this emerging frontier, we welcome contributions addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
o Deciphering the role of non-coding RNAs (miRNA, lncRNA, circRNA, piRNA) in cancer gene regulation and signal transduction.
o RNA-protein and RNA-RNA interaction networks in tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis.
o Epitranscriptomic modifications and their influence on cancer cell fate and therapeutic resistance.
o Role of RNA in tumor microenvironment
o RNA-based therapeutics: design, delivery, and optimization of RNA-targeting strategies.
o Integrative multi-omics and bioinformatics tools for modeling RNA regulatory networks in cancer.
o Translational and clinical applications of RNA-targeting approaches in precision oncology.
o Translation of RNA studies in diagnostics
o CRISPR-Cas–based RNA editing for functional studies and therapeutic innovation.
By envisioning RNA’s regulatory power as a cornerstone of next-generation oncology, this Research Topic seeks to catalyze breakthroughs that bridge molecular understanding with transformative cancer therapies.
Article types and fees
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
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:
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.
