Cell-Free Nucleic Acids in the Molecular Pathogenesis of Diseases Development 2.0

Dear Colleagues,

Cell-free nucleic acids (DNA, mitochondrial DNA, microRNA, long non-coding RNA, circular RNA), which are released by cells to different body fluids via active transport or by apoptosis or necrosis in both normal and pathological conditions, have been the focus of recent research. They are considered to be biomarkers for detection and molecular classification of samples obtained from patients having cancer, stroke, myocardial infarction, diabetes, sepsis, etc. Liquid biopsy has recently become a very popular sampling procedure for such purposes. The main advantage of this method is the possibility of easy and repetitive obtaining of samples. Cell-free nucleic acid can be isolated from bloody fluids in a short time. Their use in diagnostic or screening processes is already accepted. They also provide the possibility to follow up patients’ treatments. Liquid biopsy is applicable during the diagnosis of oncological, cardiovascular, neurological, and infectious diseases, among others. Gene expression studies could provide valuable information to researchers and clinicians. Currently, it seems promising to isolate exosomes from liquid biopsies and understand their role in the development of pathological conditions. We can collect valuable information on cell–cell–tissue communication. Identification of new extra- and intracellular signaling nucleic acid molecules and finding out their pathways could help in the diagnosis and treatment of patients.

Cell-free DNA is already widely used in the prenatal detection of genetic diseases. Recently, oncological diseases have been the focus of research, and the newest area of research is cardiovascular and neurological diseases using regulator RNA molecules.

Therefore, authors are invited to submit original research and review articles that address the progress and current standing of cell-free nucleic acids to understand the molecular pathology of diseases and develop biomarkers for screening and follow up.

Topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Gene expression studies of diseases using cell-free nucleic acids;
• Gene mutation studies;
• Application of cell-free nucleic acids such as biomarkers in different types of diseases;
• Techniques for isolation, detection, analysis, and identification of signaling nucleic acid molecules, pathways, and networks;
• Standardization of related protocols.

Prof. Bálint Nagy
Guest Editor

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