About this Research Topic
Chemical modifications on RNA have been identified in the transcriptomes from microorganisms to mammals. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) represents one of the most prevalent epitranscriptomic marks, which exerts extensive influence on the regulation network of gene expression by affecting RNA metabolism and establishing crosstalk with histone and DNA modifications. Emerging studies have linked m6A with various biological processes. Notably, the aberrance of m6A and its regulators has been reported in various cancers, and inhibitors targeting m6A modifiers have shown promising anti-cancer efficacies in pre-clinical studies. The research on m6A represents the frontier in epigenetics. It has set a good example for the exploration of other types of RNA modifications, including but not limited to m1A, m5C, m6Am, pseudouridine, and A-to-I editing.
There are over 170 types of RNA modifications on coding and noncoding RNAs. Nonetheless, most of them are still poorly studied. Thus, profiling epitranscriptomics of various modifications by novel methods and characterization of their regulators are of great importance. On the other hand, more comprehensive investigations on the regulation and functions of RNA modifications, including that of m6A, in normal development and disease settings, and translation of such knowledge into clinical practice, are still needed.
In this Research Topic, we aim to publish innovative research from basic science to translational research on RNA modifications. Original Research, Methods, Review, Mini-Review and perspective are all welcome. The subjects we wish to cover will include but are not limited to the following:
• Characterization of regulators of RNA modifications and their functions in gene expression control;
• Methods to detect or modulate RNA modifications, such as profiling of epitranscriptome by web-lab and dry-lab methods, imaging of RNA modifications, and programmable editing of RNA modifications;
• The functions and mechanisms of RNA modifications in physiological processes, such as hematopoiesis, development, reproduction, and immune response;
• The functions and mechanisms of RNA modifications in human diseases, such as cancers, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, degenerative disease, and viral disease;
• The application of RNA modifications and/or their regulators as clinical biomarkers;
• Development of specific inhibitors or other innovative approaches to target RNA modifications for a therapeutic purpose;
• Combined therapy based on RNA modification targeting.
There are over 170 types of RNA modifications on coding and noncoding RNAs. Nonetheless, most of them are still poorly studied. Thus, profiling epitranscriptomics of various modifications by novel methods and characterization of their regulators are of great importance. On the other hand, more comprehensive investigations on the regulation and functions of RNA modifications, including that of m6A, in normal development and disease settings, and translation of such knowledge into clinical practice, are still needed.
In this Research Topic, we aim to publish innovative research from basic science to translational research on RNA modifications. Original Research, Methods, Review, Mini-Review and perspective are all welcome. The subjects we wish to cover will include but are not limited to the following:
• Characterization of regulators of RNA modifications and their functions in gene expression control;
• Methods to detect or modulate RNA modifications, such as profiling of epitranscriptome by web-lab and dry-lab methods, imaging of RNA modifications, and programmable editing of RNA modifications;
• The functions and mechanisms of RNA modifications in physiological processes, such as hematopoiesis, development, reproduction, and immune response;
• The functions and mechanisms of RNA modifications in human diseases, such as cancers, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, degenerative disease, and viral disease;
• The application of RNA modifications and/or their regulators as clinical biomarkers;
• Development of specific inhibitors or other innovative approaches to target RNA modifications for a therapeutic purpose;
• Combined therapy based on RNA modification targeting.
Keywords: RNA modifications, Epitranscriptomics, Noncoding RNA, Stem cell, Development, Cancer, Virus infection, Biomarker, Targeted therapy
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