RNA Biology and Diseases

A special issue of Genes (ISSN 2073-4425). This special issue belongs to the section "RNA".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 March 2026 | Viewed by 245

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
1. Department of Human Genetics and Biochemistry, Gray Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Chaim Levanon St 55, Tel Aviv-Yafo 6997801, Israel
2. Sheba Cancer Research Center, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Derech Sheba 2, Ramat Gan, Israel
Interests: mRNA modifications; m6A; m1A; Nm; multi-omics; NGS; direct RNA sequencing

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Advances in RNA biology have changed our perception of RNA beyond its classical role as merely a messenger between DNA and proteins. In recent decades, the collection of RNA species has expanded, and we have identified new mRNA modifications and uncovered a new layer of gene expression. It is now clear that RNA regulates gene expression during cell differentiation, embryonic development, and normal growth. Tipping the fine regulation of gene expression by RNA is implicated in developmental impairment and disease states. Moreover, technological advancements further expand our knowledge, and it has also allowed us to harness RNA for new therapeutic avenues, opening new horizons in treatments of rare diseases, the rapid development of immunizations and tailored cancer therapy.

This Special Issue of Genes titled ‘RNA Biology and Diseases’ will bring together cutting-edge comprehensive research on new roles of RNA in cellular processes, as well as reviews that will present new perspectives in the field. This Issue will illuminate the multifaceted roles of RNAs in both health and disease. We aim to stage new findings and points of view in the field that will underscore the promise of RNA biology not only in unraveling disease mechanisms but also in paving the way for innovative treatments.

Dr. Sharon Moshitch-Moshkovitz
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • mechanisms of RNA processing
  • RNA modification and epitranscriptomics
  • regulatory RNAs
  • RNA-based therapy (ASOs, targeted modifications)
  • RNA–protein interactions
  • non-coding RNAs and diseases
  • post-translational modifications in shaping the epitranscriptome
  • RNA structures and restructuring mechanisms

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

16 pages, 4251 KB  
Article
Molecular Characteristics, Circularization Mechanism, and Potential Functions of circRNA-0172
by Haojie Wang, Wenhao Li, Ting Yang, Hao Bai, Lingling Qiu and Guobin Chang
Genes 2025, 16(11), 1282; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes16111282 - 29 Oct 2025
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Abstract
Background/Objectives: Avian leukosis virus subgroup J (ALV-J) harms poultry via tumors and immunosuppression; MDM2-derived circRNA-0172′s role in ALV-J infection is unknown. This study explores its molecular characteristics, circularization mechanism and functions for ALV-J control. Methods: CEF/DF-1/HD11 cells were cultured; RNA/DNA was extracted. circRNA-0172 [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Avian leukosis virus subgroup J (ALV-J) harms poultry via tumors and immunosuppression; MDM2-derived circRNA-0172′s role in ALV-J infection is unknown. This study explores its molecular characteristics, circularization mechanism and functions for ALV-J control. Methods: CEF/DF-1/HD11 cells were cultured; RNA/DNA was extracted. circRNA-0172 was validated via PCR, sequencing and RNase R; subcellular localization and circularization were analyzed with fractionation and vectors. miRanda/TargetScan/GO/KEGG, CCK-8 and qRT-PCR assessed targets, pathways and functions. Results: circRNA-0172 (1180 bp, MDM2 exons 3–11) is cytoplasm localized, RNase R resistant, and circularized via flanking ERVL-MaLR repeats. Highly expressed in immune tissues/HD11 cells, it is downregulated by ALV-J. Its overexpression inhibits DF-1 proliferation, downregulates Bcl2 and upregulates CCND1. Conclusions: This is the first confirmation of circRNA-0172′s stability and repeat-dependent circularization; it regulates cell proliferation/apoptosis, providing potential targets for ALV-J-associated avian leukemia. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue RNA Biology and Diseases)
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