RNA Biology and Roles in Diseases

A special issue of Biology (ISSN 2079-7737). This special issue belongs to the section "Biochemistry and Molecular Biology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 February 2026 | Viewed by 2597

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada
Interests: circRNAs; RNA biology; cardiovascular disease
Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, Sivas 58010, Turkey
Interests: biology; circRNAs; non-coding RNAs

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

RNAs play a fundamental role in gene expression, either in the form of protein-coding messenger RNA (mRNA) or as non-coding RNA involved in transcriptional regulation. Recent advances in RNA biology have revealed an unexpected level of diversity and complexity in RNA molecules and cellular RNA metabolism. Studies indicate that RNA biogenesis undergoes significant alterations in various diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological disorders. These changes may arise through mutations in genes encoding RNA-processing factors, variations in the expression levels of these factors, or direct modifications at the RNA level.

Elucidating these alterations will enhance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which RNAs contribute to disease-related pathways, thereby improving our knowledge of the clinical manifestations and progression of human diseases. However, though significant progress has been made in this area, further research and clarification is needed to ensure that we have a comprehensive understanding of the full spectrum of RNA functions in disease pathogenesis. A deeper insight into these mechanisms is also paramount for the future development of RNA-targeted therapies. As the field of RNA biology continues to expand, it is anticipated that the discovery of novel and evolving roles of RNA in different cellular contexts will improve our comprehension of the development, homeostasis, and pathogenesis of various diseases. Due to the rapid advancements in RNA studies and RNA-related technologies, our knowledge of the relationship between RNA and diseases is constantly evolving, and although there are still many unanswered questions regarding the biology of RNAs and the mechanisms governing their gene regulation, significant advances have been made in this field.

The aim of this Special Issue is to provide a comprehensive overview of the relationship between RNA biology and disease, integrating cutting-edge research on RNA editing mechanisms with innovative applications of RNA therapies, involving both mRNA and non-coding RNA, in the treatment of disease. The Special Issue is specifically focused on innovative approaches to enhancing the efficacy of RNA-based therapies, and studies on gene expression, immunological responses, and therapeutic outcomes are of particular interest.

This Special Issue highlights the key mechanisms underlying RNA functions, the changes involved in RNA biogenesis, and their broader implications. We welcome contributions that advance our understanding of these processes and foster the development of RNA-based therapeutic strategies.

Dr. Nan Wu
Dr. Sema Misir
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • RNA biology
  • diseases
  • circRNA
  • mRNA
  • non-coding RNA

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

15 pages, 24880 KiB  
Article
Three Circulating miRNAs Related to Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Progression: An Integrative Analysis of Their Biological Roles
by Yanqin Niu, Gaohui Fu, Sijian Xia, Menglong Li, Lin Qiu, Jun Wang, Kang Kang and Deming Gou
Biology 2025, 14(4), 399; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14040399 - 10 Apr 2025
Viewed by 327
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are crucial in physiological and pathological processes and serve as biomarkers for various diseases. We previously validated seven miRNA biomarkers and nine in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC). In this study, we observed distinct clustering patterns of [...] Read more.
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are crucial in physiological and pathological processes and serve as biomarkers for various diseases. We previously validated seven miRNA biomarkers and nine in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC). In this study, we observed distinct clustering patterns of LUAD or LUSC tissues compared to paired normal tissues based on miRNA expression levels, suggesting the potential involvement of circulating miRNAs in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) progression. To elucidate their biological function, we identified the most significant differentially expressed miRNAs (DE-miRNAs)—hsa-miR-451a, hsa-miR-139-5p and hsa-miR-126-5p—using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets. We then performed protein–protein interaction (PPI) analysis and constructed a miRNA-hub gene regulatory network based on targets predicted by several miRNA-target prediction tools. Additionally, we evaluated the biological functions of these miRNA biomarkers through EdU and wound healing assays in A549 cells. Our study identifies three miRNAs that may contribute to lung cancer progression by modulating cancer-related targets and highlights their potential as biomarkers. Future mechanistic investigations may provide novel insights into NSCLC pathogenesis and open new therapeutic avenues. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue RNA Biology and Roles in Diseases)
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19 pages, 5288 KiB  
Article
Identification of a Novel hsa_circ_0058058/miR-324-5p Axis and Prognostic/Predictive Molecules for Acute Myeloid Leukemia Outcome by Bioinformatics-Based Analysis
by Sema Misir, Serap Ozer Yaman, Nina Petrović, Ahmad Šami, Osman Akidan, Ceylan Hepokur and Yuksel Aliyazicioglu
Biology 2024, 13(7), 487; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology13070487 - 30 Jun 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1781
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (LAML) is one of the most prevalent hematological malignancies. In recent years, while targeted approaches have shown promise in the fight against cancer, the treatability and prognosis of patients remain inadequate due to the shortage of drugs. Noncoding RNAs, especially [...] Read more.
Acute myeloid leukemia (LAML) is one of the most prevalent hematological malignancies. In recent years, while targeted approaches have shown promise in the fight against cancer, the treatability and prognosis of patients remain inadequate due to the shortage of drugs. Noncoding RNAs, especially circular RNA (circRNA) and microRNA (miRNA), have been shown to play a unique role in tumor development. This study aims to identify the disease-associated circRNA–miRNA–mRNA network by bioinformatic analysis and investigate the mechanisms in the development and progression of LAML. Additionally, it reveals the promising roles of these molecules as a diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for LAML treatment. Using various bioinformatics approaches, we identified the hsa_circ_0058058/miR-324-5p axis in LAML and its possible functions in LAML development. According to our results, hsa circ-0058058 can regulate the expression of AP1G1 and SP1 through miR-324-5p to support angiogenesis, the cell cycle, and DNA replication processes. Downregulation of hsa circ-0058058 may contribute to the anticancer functions of miR-324-5p on LAML tumorigenesis, and upregulation of miR-324-5p can abolish the oncogenic effects of AP1G1 and SP1 on LAML tumorigenesis. Additionally, highly enriched pathways indicated possible interactions between molecules underlying LAML pathology. Targeted molecules within this network may be able to function as therapeutic and diagnostic biomarkers for disease, while more research and clinical confirmation are needed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue RNA Biology and Roles in Diseases)
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