Regulatory RNA: Linking Life and Disease
A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Biology".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 February 2026 | Viewed by 26
Special Issue Editors
Interests: RNA; human disease; cancer
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
2. Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Area of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
3. Department of Surgery, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal
Interests: RNA; human disease; cancer; diagnosis; therapy; development
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
RNA molecules are not just intermediates between DNA and proteins; they are central regulators of cellular fate and function. In recent years, the discovery of diverse RNA classes—such as microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, circular RNAs, and RNA-binding proteins—has transformed our understanding of how gene expression is fine-tuned during development and disrupted in diseases. RNA regulation orchestrates critical biological pathways, influencing cell differentiation, tissue homeostasis, immune responses, and adaptation to environmental cues.
Dysregulation of these RNA-mediated networks is increasingly recognised as a driver of pathological processes, including cancer, autoimmune disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular pathology, and metabolic syndromes. Furthermore, RNA-based diagnostics and therapeutics, from RNA interference to mRNA vaccines, are emerging as powerful tools for precision medicine.
This Special Issue will gather original research articles, reviews, and perspectives exploring the molecular mechanisms by which RNA molecules regulate developmental and disease pathways. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Functional roles of coding and non-coding RNAs in normal development;
- RNA regulatory networks in disease initiation, progression, and prognosis;
- Mechanistic insights into RNA–protein and RNA–RNA interactions;
- RNA editing, modification (epitranscriptomics), and splicing in health and disease;
- RNA-based biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment monitoring;
- Translational and therapeutic applications of RNA research.
By integrating studies from molecular biology, genetics, epigenetics, bioinformatics, and clinical research, this Special Issue aims to provide a comprehensive view of how RNA regulation connects developmental biology to pathological outcomes and to highlight novel avenues for intervention.
Dr. Rui Caetano Oliveira
Prof. Dr. Guilherme Tralhão
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. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.
Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. There is an Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal. For details about the APC please see here. 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.
Keywords
- RNA regulation
- non-coding RNAs
- epitranscriptomics
- gene expression
- developmental pathways
- disease mechanisms
- RNA therapeutics
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
- Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
- Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
- Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
- External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
- Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.
Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.
