Guest Editors
Dr. Priyanka Gokulnath
Email: pgokulnath@mgh.harvard.edu
Affiliation: Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
Homepage:
Research Interests: Extracellular vesicles, RNA, Non-coding RNA, Transcriptomics, Liquid biopsy, Cardiovascular diseases, COVID-19, Cancer
Dr. Michail Spanos
Email: mspanos1@mgh.harvard.edu
Affiliation: Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
Homepage:
Research Interests: Cardiovascular Disease, Biomarker studies, Liquid Biopsy, Extracellular vesicles, exRNA, Transcriptomics, Liquid biopsy, COVID-19
Dr. Gururaja Vulugundam
Email: Gururaja.vulugundam@merck.com
Affiliation: Discovery Pharmaceutical Science, Merck, Boston, USA
Homepage:
Research Interests: Drug and Gene delivery, Nanoparticles, antibody-drug conjugates, bioanalytics, formulation and drug product development
Summary
Introduction:
Extracellular RNAs (exRNAs) represent a diverse class of nucleic acids secreted by cells into bodily fluids such as blood, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid. These molecules, including both coding (mRNAs) and non-coding RNAs (miRNAs, rRNAs, tRNAs, lncRNAs, Y-RNAs, snoRNAs, Piwi-interacting RNAs, etc.), are either encapsulated in extracellular vesicles (EVs) or associated with protein complexes, playing pivotal roles in cell-to-cell communication. Their stability and presence in accessible body fluids make exRNAs prime candidates for biomarkers and therapeutic targets, bridging innovative research with clinical applications.
Topics of Interest:
1. exRNAs in Disease Pathogenesis:
· Omics Approaches to exRNA Profiling: Leveraging high-throughput technologies to characterize exRNA populations across various conditions and their involvement in disease onset and progression, including cancer, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, and autoimmune and infectious disorders.
· Biomarker Discovery: Evaluating the potential of exRNAs as biomarkers for early detection, diagnosis, and prognosis, enhancing our understanding of disease dynamics and patient stratification.
2. Mechanistic Insights into exRNA Function:
· Biogenesis and Secretion: Investigating the selective packaging of exRNAs into EVs or protein complexes and the cellular mechanisms regulating their release and uptake by recipient cells.
· Regulatory Impacts: Elucidating how exRNAs influence gene expression and cellular functions in recipient cells, contributing to their regulatory capacities in physiological and pathological contexts.
3. Theranostic Potential of exRNAs:
· Therapeutic Applications: Developing exRNA-based interventions, such as mimics or inhibitors, to modulate specific disease pathways, offering new avenues for treatment.
· Liquid Biopsy Technologies: Harnessing exRNAs in liquid biopsies to provide non-invasive diagnostics and real-time monitoring of treatment responses, potentially revolutionizing personalized healthcare.
4. exRNAs in Personalized Medicine:
· Precision Medicine Initiatives: Exploring exRNAs in personalized treatment protocols, where individual exRNA profiles guide therapeutic decisions and drug development.
· Novel Drug Delivery Systems: Investigating exRNA-based platforms for targeted drug delivery, enhancing the specificity and efficacy of pharmacological interventions.
Conclusion:
This special issue aims to catalyze advancements in exRNA research by integrating cutting-edge scientific findings with clinical applications. We invite researchers and clinicians to contribute original research, reviews, and perspectives that explore the intricate roles of exRNAs in health and disease. Through a comprehensive examination of their biological functions, biomarker, and therapeutic potential, this issue will provide a deeper understanding of exRNA mechanisms and their implications in advancing modern medicine.
Keywords
Extracellular RNAs, transcriptomics, liquid biopsy, current medicine, human disease, diagnosis, pathways
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