Epitranscriptomic Regulation of Coding and Noncoding RNAs in Health and Disease

The fields of epitranscriptomics and RNA biology have rapidly advanced our understanding of gene regulation, revealing an additional layer of complexity shaped by chemical modifications of both coding and noncoding RNAs. These modifications influence messenger RNAs (mRNAs) as well as a wide range of ncRNAs, including lncRNAs, circRNAs, eRNAs, rRNAs, snRNAs, tRNAs, and miRNAs. Despite substantial progress, many questions remain about how RNA modifications, such as N6-methyladenosine (m⁶A), 5-methylcytosine (m⁵C), N1-methyladenosine (m¹A), and pseudouridine (Ψ), intersect with the diverse landscape of coding and noncoding RNAs to regulate RNA processing, stability, localization, translation, and function in health and disease. Recent studies have established pivotal roles for epitranscriptomic marks in coordinating RNA fate and gene-expression programs, yet our understanding of their dynamic, context-specific, and cell type-dependent functions remains incomplete. Critical gaps persist in defining the regulatory networks governed by these modifications, the interplay between coding and noncoding RNA pathways, and the mechanisms by which their dysregulation contributes to disease. In addition, the potential to exploit epitranscriptomic regulation for synthetic biology, diagnostics, and therapeutic innovation remains underexplored. Bridging these gaps is essential to move from compartmentalized models of RNA regulation toward an integrated, systems-level understanding of RNA-mediated control over cellular and pathological phenotypes.This Research Topic aims to elucidate the mechanisms by which coding and noncoding RNAs harness epitranscriptomic signals to orchestrate gene regulatory programs and drive disease phenotypes. Central objectives include uncovering how diverse RNA modifications shape mRNA metabolism and ncRNA biology; decoding the bidirectional relationships between epitranscriptomic writers, erasers, readers, and RNA function; and clarifying how these interactions influence development, adaptation, and disease progression. The Topic will also address open questions surrounding the crosstalk between mRNAs and ncRNAs, the impact of epitranscriptomic dynamics in response to developmental cues, environmental stressors, and disease states, and the feasibility of translating these insights into clinical diagnostics and next-generation therapies for complex disorders.This Research Topic encompasses original investigations, bioinformatics tools, databases, AI/ML tools, reviews, and perspectives focused on the intersection of epitranscriptomics, coding and noncoding RNA regulation, health, and disease. We broadly define the scope to include mechanistic, computational, systems-level, and translational studies, while excluding work unrelated to RNA epitranscriptomic regulation. To gather further insights in this field, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:• Epitranscriptomic regulation of coding and noncoding RNAs• Functional consequences of RNA modifications (m⁶A, m⁵C, m¹A, Ψ, and others) on mRNAs, lncRNAs, circRNAs, eRNAs, rRNAs, snRNAs, tRNAs, and miRNAs• Roles of writers, erasers, readers, and RNA-binding proteins in governing RNA fate, function, and regulatory networks• Effects of RNA modifications on splicing, export, stability, translation, decay, and subcellular localization• Crosstalk between mRNA and ncRNA regulatory programs within epitranscriptomic networks• RNA dynamics and regulatory responses to stress, development, differentiation, or environmental change• Mechanistic and disease-related functions of coding and noncoding RNAs, including their contribution to cancer, cardiovascular, metabolic, neurodegenerative, immune, and infectious disorders• Integration of multi-omics, computational, and AI-enabled approaches to study RNA modifications and RNA-centered regulatory circuitry• Translational approaches leveraging coding or noncoding RNAs and RNA modifications as biomarkers or therapeutic targets• Preclinical and early clinical advances in RNA- or epitranscriptome-based interventions.We encourage diverse article types, including Original Research, Reviews, Mini-Reviews, Perspectives, Methods (including AI-enabled tools), Databases, and Brief Research Reports. Topic editors: Chinedu Anthony Anene, Raja Ishaq Nabi Khan Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/78278/epitranscriptomic-regulation-of-coding-and-noncoding-rnas-in-health-and-disease