Roles and Mechanisms of Non-Coding RNAs in Cancer
A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Genetics and Genomics".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 February 2026 | Viewed by 5
Special Issue Editors
Interests: cytokinesis; Golgi apparatus; membrane trafficking; cell cycle; cancer; Drosophila melanogaster
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
The human genome transcribes tens of thousands of RNA molecules, most of which do not encode proteins that are collectively called non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). Based on their primary function, we can divide ncRNAs into two groups: constitutive ncRNAs and regulatory ncRNAs.
Regulatory ncRNAs are a heterogeneous group of RNA molecules that utilize different mechanisms in their regulatory role on messenger RNAs (mRNAs) or other ncRNAs, creating an intracellular network of cross-interactions that enable fine and complex regulation of gene expression. The alternating balance between these interactions can cause various developing pathologies, including cancer.
In this context, increasing evidence suggests that regulatory ncRNAs are involved in both pro-oncogene and tumor suppressive functions. Additionally, their deregulation affects various aspects of cancer, including proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, metastasis, and genomic instability.
We welcome the submission of original papers and review articles that address recent studies on characterizing the roles and mechanisms of three specific classes of regulatory ncRNAs: PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), long ncRNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs). Authors should emphasize the clinical applicability and translational potential of their findings.
Dr. Stefano Sechi
Dr. Daniela Scarabino
Guest Editors
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Keywords
- cancer
- non-coding RNA (ncRNA)
- translational medicine
- oncological therapy
- biomarker
- piRNA
- lncRNA
- circRNA
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