In this exciting Research Topic, we delve into the fascinating world of DNA and RNA secondary structures, explore their formation and regulation, and their important impact on cell biology and disease. The secondary structures formed by nucleic acids have become a research hotspot in the past decade. Molecular mechanisms targeting these structures add another layer of control over various cellular processes on top of the underlying nucleic acid sequence. Some specific types of DNA and RNA secondary structures have been identified and become popular research topics, for example, R-loops, three-stranded nucleic acid structures formed by a single DNA strand and an RNA-DNA hybrid, and G-quadruplexes formed in nucleic acids by guanine-rich sequences.
Through a series of carefully curated articles, this collection sheds light on the chemical mechanisms underlying DNA and RNA secondary structure formation, regulation, and their multifaceted roles in cellular functions. By unraveling the intricate interplay between DNA, RNA and proteins, these studies contribute to our understanding of the structure-function relationship of nucleic acid secondary structures and their dynamic nature within the cellular environment.
Furthermore, this Topic explores the diverse implications of dysregulated nucleic acid secondary structures in disease. From cancer to neurological disorders, aberrant accumulation of these structures has been implicated in a range of pathological conditions. By examining the underlying molecular and chemical mechanisms and exploring potential therapeutic interventions, researchers aim to pave the way for novel therapeutic strategies.
This Research Topic brings together a collection of groundbreaking research articles, review articles, and perspectives from leading experts in the field, offering comprehensive insights into the world of nucleic acid structure biology. By highlighting the latest discoveries and ongoing investigations, this collection serves as a valuable resource for researchers, clinicians, and students interested in the intricate world of dynamic regulation of cellular DNA and RNA secondary structures and its impact on cell biology and disease.
In this Research Topic we invite submissions addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
· Biochemical approaches to study how these DNA and RNA secondary structures are formed and removed in vitro
· Genomic, molecular and cell biological approaches to study the regulation of cellular DNA and RNA secondary structures
· The impact of DNA and RNA secondary structures on regulation of cellular processes, such as gene transcription, DNA replication, and DNA damage and repair
· The impact of DNA and RNA secondary structures on transcription-replication conflicts
· Cellular consequences of dysregulated DNA and RNA secondary structures
· Dysregulation of DNA and RNA secondary structures in disease
· The impact of DNA and RNA secondary structures in disease and how this may inform potential therapeutic strategies.
Keywords:
DNA secondary structure, RNA secondary structure, R-loop, G-quadruplex, Nucleic acid structure
Important Note:
All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
In this exciting Research Topic, we delve into the fascinating world of DNA and RNA secondary structures, explore their formation and regulation, and their important impact on cell biology and disease. The secondary structures formed by nucleic acids have become a research hotspot in the past decade. Molecular mechanisms targeting these structures add another layer of control over various cellular processes on top of the underlying nucleic acid sequence. Some specific types of DNA and RNA secondary structures have been identified and become popular research topics, for example, R-loops, three-stranded nucleic acid structures formed by a single DNA strand and an RNA-DNA hybrid, and G-quadruplexes formed in nucleic acids by guanine-rich sequences.
Through a series of carefully curated articles, this collection sheds light on the chemical mechanisms underlying DNA and RNA secondary structure formation, regulation, and their multifaceted roles in cellular functions. By unraveling the intricate interplay between DNA, RNA and proteins, these studies contribute to our understanding of the structure-function relationship of nucleic acid secondary structures and their dynamic nature within the cellular environment.
Furthermore, this Topic explores the diverse implications of dysregulated nucleic acid secondary structures in disease. From cancer to neurological disorders, aberrant accumulation of these structures has been implicated in a range of pathological conditions. By examining the underlying molecular and chemical mechanisms and exploring potential therapeutic interventions, researchers aim to pave the way for novel therapeutic strategies.
This Research Topic brings together a collection of groundbreaking research articles, review articles, and perspectives from leading experts in the field, offering comprehensive insights into the world of nucleic acid structure biology. By highlighting the latest discoveries and ongoing investigations, this collection serves as a valuable resource for researchers, clinicians, and students interested in the intricate world of dynamic regulation of cellular DNA and RNA secondary structures and its impact on cell biology and disease.
In this Research Topic we invite submissions addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
· Biochemical approaches to study how these DNA and RNA secondary structures are formed and removed in vitro
· Genomic, molecular and cell biological approaches to study the regulation of cellular DNA and RNA secondary structures
· The impact of DNA and RNA secondary structures on regulation of cellular processes, such as gene transcription, DNA replication, and DNA damage and repair
· The impact of DNA and RNA secondary structures on transcription-replication conflicts
· Cellular consequences of dysregulated DNA and RNA secondary structures
· Dysregulation of DNA and RNA secondary structures in disease
· The impact of DNA and RNA secondary structures in disease and how this may inform potential therapeutic strategies.
Keywords:
DNA secondary structure, RNA secondary structure, R-loop, G-quadruplex, Nucleic acid structure
Important Note:
All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.