Recent Advancements in RNA Technologies, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics

About this Research Topic

Background

RNA possesses unique chemical and physical features that are crucial to interacting with biological components and regulating cellular processes. The rich functional and structural diversity of RNA contributes to its versatility in the catalysis of biochemical reactions, binding specific molecules, gene regulation, and transport of molecules. Using canonical and non-canonical base pairing RNA nanotechnology harnesses programmability and self-assembly capabilities of RNA to design nano- and micro-sized structures. There have been demonstrations using RNA to build assemblies of variety size, shape, and complexity for molecular sensing, drug delivery, immunomodulation, and regulation of cellular activity. This foundational work in the field presents great promise to use RNA as a powerful biomaterial for the development of diagnostic and therapeutic applications as has been shown in numerous in vitro and in vivo studies using various animal models.

RNA nanotechnology is an interdisciplinary field and exists at the intersection of RNA biology and nanotechnology. Possible applications of this field includes structural biology, diagnostic tools, biosensors, therapeutic delivery, gene regulation, vaccine development. To fully realize the potential of translating RNA nanotechnology for clinical applications there are challenges such as nuclease stability, targeted delivery, immune response, and limit of detection that must be addressed and further improvements to refine the technology.

The objective of this Research Topic is to provide perspective on current advancements and innovative work in the field of RNA nanotechnology advancing the progress of clinical diagnostic and therapeutic applications. This Research Topic focuses on computational and experimental approaches developed to engineer and study RNA nanostructures for biomedical applications, including but not limited to:

•Design of RNA assemblies
•Molecular dynamics simulations of RNA structures
•Methods for self-assembly and synthesis
•Delivery of RNA constructs
•Development of RNA-based sensors and probes
•RNA therapeutic strategies

Keywords: RNA, RNA Nanotechnology, RNA therapeutics, Therapeutics, Diagnostics

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