About this Research Topic
RNA binding proteins (RBPs) play a pivotal role in shaping the structure and function of RNA molecules, serving as key regulators of various cellular processes. RNA, once considered a mere intermediary in the flow of genetic information from DNA to proteins, is now recognized as a versatile molecule with diverse functions. RBPs interact with RNA molecules through specific binding motifs, orchestrating a myriad of post-transcriptional events.
These proteins modulate RNA structure by binding to distinct regions, such as the 5’ and 3’ untranslated regions (UTRs), exons, and introns. Through these interactions, RBPs can influence splicing, polyadenylation, stability, and localization of RNA transcripts. Moreover, RBPs contribute significantly to the formation of dynamic ribonucleoprotein complexes, fostering intricate RNA-protein networks. The importance of RBPs is underscored by their involvement in critical cellular processes, including gene expression, RNA transport, and response to environmental stimuli. Dysregulation of RBP activity is implicated in various diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders and cancers. Understanding the nuanced interplay between RBPs and RNA provides insights into the molecular basis of cellular function and dysfunction, offering potential therapeutic targets for a range of diseases. Thus, elucidating the crucial role of RNA binding proteins contributes to unravelling the complexity of cellular processes and holds promise for future advancements in molecular medicine. The research topic revolves around the intricate role of RNA binding proteins (RBPs) in shaping RNA structure and function, aiming to address the complex challenges associated with understanding and manipulating these molecular interactions. One key problem is the limited comprehension of the specific binding mechanisms between RBPs and RNA motifs, hindering the precise modulation of RNA-related processes.
To tackle this issue, researchers can employ advanced experimental techniques such as high-throughput RNA-protein interaction assays, cross-linking and immunoprecipitation (CLIP), and cryo-electron microscopy. These methods enable the identification of binding sites and the elucidation of three-dimensional structures, providing crucial insights into the dynamic nature of RBP-RNA interactions. Recent advances in computational biology, including machine learning algorithms, can be leveraged to predict RNA binding motifs for RBPs. Integrating these computational approaches with experimental data can enhance our understanding of the specificity and dynamics of RBP-RNA interactions. Furthermore, exploring the functional consequences of RBP-mediated RNA modifications, such as alternative splicing and RNA editing presents an avenue for comprehensive investigations. Emerging technologies like CRISPR-based genome editing tools and single-cell RNA sequencing contribute to deciphering the functional outcomes of RBP-RNA interactions at a cellular and organismal level. Ultimately, a multidisciplinary approach that combines experimental and computational techniques, along with cutting-edge technologies, holds the potential to unravel the complexities of RBP- mediated RNA regulation. Such advancements are not only crucial for advancing basic scientific knowledge but also have profound implications for therapeutic interventions in diseases where dysregulation of RNA processing plays a pivotal role.
Contributors are encouraged to submit manuscripts that advance our understanding of the dynamics of RBP-RNA interactions and their implications for both basic biology and therapeutic applications. The goal is to foster a multidisciplinary dialogue that integrates experimental, computational, and clinical perspectives in the study of RNA binding proteins.
Types of Manuscripts of Interest:
• Original Research Articles: Presenting novel findings and experimental data related to RBP-RNA interactions.
• Review Articles: Providing comprehensive overviews of specific aspects of RBP-mediated RNA regulation.
• Methodology Papers: Describing new experimental or computational methods for studying RBP-RNA interactions.
• Perspective and Opinion Pieces: Offering insights into emerging trends, challenges, and future directions in the field.
These proteins modulate RNA structure by binding to distinct regions, such as the 5’ and 3’ untranslated regions (UTRs), exons, and introns. Through these interactions, RBPs can influence splicing, polyadenylation, stability, and localization of RNA transcripts. Moreover, RBPs contribute significantly to the formation of dynamic ribonucleoprotein complexes, fostering intricate RNA-protein networks. The importance of RBPs is underscored by their involvement in critical cellular processes, including gene expression, RNA transport, and response to environmental stimuli. Dysregulation of RBP activity is implicated in various diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders and cancers. Understanding the nuanced interplay between RBPs and RNA provides insights into the molecular basis of cellular function and dysfunction, offering potential therapeutic targets for a range of diseases. Thus, elucidating the crucial role of RNA binding proteins contributes to unravelling the complexity of cellular processes and holds promise for future advancements in molecular medicine. The research topic revolves around the intricate role of RNA binding proteins (RBPs) in shaping RNA structure and function, aiming to address the complex challenges associated with understanding and manipulating these molecular interactions. One key problem is the limited comprehension of the specific binding mechanisms between RBPs and RNA motifs, hindering the precise modulation of RNA-related processes.
To tackle this issue, researchers can employ advanced experimental techniques such as high-throughput RNA-protein interaction assays, cross-linking and immunoprecipitation (CLIP), and cryo-electron microscopy. These methods enable the identification of binding sites and the elucidation of three-dimensional structures, providing crucial insights into the dynamic nature of RBP-RNA interactions. Recent advances in computational biology, including machine learning algorithms, can be leveraged to predict RNA binding motifs for RBPs. Integrating these computational approaches with experimental data can enhance our understanding of the specificity and dynamics of RBP-RNA interactions. Furthermore, exploring the functional consequences of RBP-mediated RNA modifications, such as alternative splicing and RNA editing presents an avenue for comprehensive investigations. Emerging technologies like CRISPR-based genome editing tools and single-cell RNA sequencing contribute to deciphering the functional outcomes of RBP-RNA interactions at a cellular and organismal level. Ultimately, a multidisciplinary approach that combines experimental and computational techniques, along with cutting-edge technologies, holds the potential to unravel the complexities of RBP- mediated RNA regulation. Such advancements are not only crucial for advancing basic scientific knowledge but also have profound implications for therapeutic interventions in diseases where dysregulation of RNA processing plays a pivotal role.
Contributors are encouraged to submit manuscripts that advance our understanding of the dynamics of RBP-RNA interactions and their implications for both basic biology and therapeutic applications. The goal is to foster a multidisciplinary dialogue that integrates experimental, computational, and clinical perspectives in the study of RNA binding proteins.
Types of Manuscripts of Interest:
• Original Research Articles: Presenting novel findings and experimental data related to RBP-RNA interactions.
• Review Articles: Providing comprehensive overviews of specific aspects of RBP-mediated RNA regulation.
• Methodology Papers: Describing new experimental or computational methods for studying RBP-RNA interactions.
• Perspective and Opinion Pieces: Offering insights into emerging trends, challenges, and future directions in the field.
Keywords: RNA binding proteins (RBPs), RNA structure and function, Post-transcriptional events, RNA-protein networks, Cellular processes, Gene expression, RNA processing and regulation, RNP biogenesis and function
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.
