Non-coding RNAs and Phase Separation Phenomena

Dear Colleagues,

The phenomenon of phase separation or phase transition has recently been described and associated with the formation of cellular condensates that can act as functional membrane-less compartments. Cells can regulate the local concentration and dynamics of specific molecular species by engaging them in specific macromolecular condensates. The phase separation phenomenon is driven by diverse cellular factors, namely proteins, RNA molecules, and other low-molecular weight species. Particularly interesting are the crosstalk interactions between RNA and protein molecules, which can regulate the dynamics of these macromolecular condensates.

The role of non-coding RNAs in the formation, stability, and dynamics of macromolecular condensates and their functions in driving phase separations is a timely and relevant topic that deserves a closer look. This Special Issue will put together a collection of manuscripts containing original data, as well as technical reviews, on the functions of non-coding RNAs in the general phenomenon of phase separation, with special emphasis on their interactions with other cellular components and their roles as scaffolds of membrane-less condensates.

Prof. Dr. Francisco J. Enguita
Prof. Dr. Ana Lúcia Leitão
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Non-Coding RNA is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1800 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• phase separation
• non-coding RNA
• membrane-less compartment
• RNA–protein interactions
• intrinsically disordered proteins