Key Takeaways & Executive Findings
- •• This special issue compiles 12 expert reviews covering RNA biogenesis, functions, and technologies, highlighting the diversity and complexity of the RNA landscape. • Reviews discuss alternative splicing regulation by RNA structures and its impact on disease, as well as crosstalk between splicing and 3'-end processing. • Frontier topics include RNA modifications (e.g., m6A) and editing, with structural insights into writers and links to disease. • Technological advances in RNA proximity labeling, fluorogenic aptamers, and long-read sequencing are presented as powerful tools for studying RNA dynamics and regulation.
Abstract
RNA is one of the most essential biopolymers in cells. According to the central dogma, messenger RNAs (mRNAs) transmit genetic information from DNA to proteins through a complex process, facilitated by key non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) such as ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs) and transfer RNAs (tRNAs). In addition to these essential RNAs, a wide variety of ncRNAs have been discovered, each playing key roles in gene regulation and contributing to the complexity of the RNA landscape. All RNAs undergo intricate processing and modifications before maturation and transport to their respective cellular compartments, where they perform their functions. Regulation of these processes often results in the generation of multiple isoforms from a single gene, further diversifying the RNA landscape. Understanding the mechanisms of RNA biogenesis and the functional roles of RNAs in both physiological and pathological contexts is essential for unraveling how cells respond to developmental and environmental cues, with profound implications for biomedicine. This special issue features 12 expert reviews in RNA research, each offering a comprehensive summary of the latest advances in RNA biology from their respective perspectives.
1. Introduction
RNA is one of the most essential biopolymers in cells. According to the central dogma, messenger RNAs (mRNAs) transmit genetic information from DNA to proteins through a complex process, facilitated by key non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) such as ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs) and transfer RNAs (tRNAs). In addition to these essential RNAs, a wide variety of ncRNAs have been discovered, each playing key roles in gene regulation and contributing to the complexity of the RNA landscape.
All RNAs undergo intricate processing and modifications before maturation and transport to their respective cellular compartments, where they perform their functions. Regulation of these processes often results in the generation of multiple isoforms from a single gene, further diversifying the RNA landscape. Understanding the mechanisms of RNA biogenesis and the functional roles of RNAs in both physiological and pathological contexts is essential for unraveling how cells respond to developmental and environmental cues, with profound implications for biomedicine. This special issue features 12 expert reviews in RNA research, each offering a comprehensive summary of the latest advances in RNA biology from their respective perspectives.
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Ya-Nan Chang, Hong Cheng (2026). Safari in the RNA world: a special issue focused on RNA biogenesis, functions, and technologies. Acta Biochimica et Biophysica Sinica. https://doi.org/10.3724/abbs.2024234
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the focus of this special issue on RNA?
This special issue features 12 expert reviews covering various aspects of RNA biology, including biogenesis, modifications, splicing, editing, transport, and regulatory RNAs, highlighting recent advances and technologies.
What are the key topics discussed in the reviews?
Key topics include alternative splicing regulation by RNA structures, crosstalk between splicing and 3'-end processing, RNA modifications like m6A, RNA editing by ADAT proteins, mRNA export, RNA proximity labeling, fluorogenic aptamers, small regulatory RNAs (miRNAs, piRNAs, siRNAs), and circular RNAs.
How do RNA modifications affect gene expression?
RNA modifications, such as m6A, can influence multiple aspects of mRNA metabolism, including stability, splicing, export, and translation, thereby regulating gene expression.
What technological advances are highlighted?
The issue highlights advances in RNA proximity labeling, fluorogenic RNA aptamers for visualization, and long-read sequencing for identifying regulatory interactions, which are powerful tools for studying RNA dynamics.
What is the significance of this special issue for biomedicine?
Understanding RNA biology is crucial for unraveling cellular responses to developmental and environmental cues, with profound implications for disease diagnosis and treatment, as aberrant RNA processes are linked to various diseases.
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