p53–Non-Coding RNA Regulatory Networks in Cancer: From Tumour Evolution to Circulating Tumour Cells

The tumour suppressor p53 protein is a master regulator of genomic stability, coordinating cellular responses to stress by acting as a transcriptional factor upon complex transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms. Beyond its canonical functions in cell cycle control, apoptosis, and senescence, p53 operates in close connection with regulatory networks that involve multiple classes of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and circular RNAs. These molecules can both regulate and be regulated by p53, thereby influencing gene expression programs associated with tumour initiation, progression, metastatic transformation and therapeutic response. Recent advances in cancer genomics and transcriptomics have additionally revealed that dysregulation of p53–ncRNA interactions contributes to tumour heterogeneity and disease evolution. Furthermore, emerging evidences suggest that ncRNA-mediated regulatory circuits play important roles in the biology of circulating tumour cells (CTCs), which are key drivers of metastatic dissemination. Understanding these interconnected networks may provide novel insights into cancer biology and identify new opportunities for biomarker discovery and therapeutic intervention.This Research Topic aims to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of the emerging regulatory networks linking p53 and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in cancer. Although the individual roles of p53 and ncRNAs have been extensively investigated, their dynamic interplay across different stages of tumour development and progression remains incompletely understood. Increasing evidences indicate that these interactions may contribute to the regulation of tumour cell plasticity, genomic instability, metastatic dissemination and therapeutic response, highlighting their relevance in both basic and translational cancer research.The objective of this special issue is to bring together studies exploring the molecular, genomic, and functional mechanisms underlying p53–ncRNA crosstalk, as well as their implications for cancer evolution and heterogeneity. In particular, it will be focused on the emerging areas such as circulating tumour cells (CTCs), liquid biopsy, extracellular vesicle-associated RNAs, and multi-omics approaches aimed at dissecting complex regulatory networks.We welcome original research articles, reviews, perspectives, and methodological contributions spanning diverse tumour types and experimental models. By fostering interdisciplinary dialogue among molecular biologists, geneticists, oncologists, and computational scientists, this Research Topic seeks to advance our understanding of p53-centered regulatory networks and promote the identification of novel biomarkers, therapeutic targets, and precision oncology strategies.This Research Topic focuses on the molecular, genomic, and translational interactions between p53 and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in cancer. We will welcome contributions addressing:• Regulatory networks between p53 and ncRNAs, including miRNAs, lncRNAs, circRNAs and emerging ncRNA classes. • Effects of wild-type and mutant p53 on ncRNA expression and function. • ncRNA-mediated modulation of p53 signalling and downstream pathways. • Roles of p53–ncRNA crosstalk in tumour evolution, heterogeneity, plasticity, metastasis, and therapy resistance. • Non-coding RNAs in circulating tumour cells (CTCs), liquid biopsy, and extracellular vesicle-mediated communication. • Multi-omics, single-cell, spatial, and computational approaches to study p53-centered regulatory networks. • Identification of biomarkers and therapeutic targets related to p53–ncRNA interactions. • Translational and clinical applications across diverse cancer types. We encourage the submission of Original Research Articles, Review Articles, Mini Reviews, Systematic Reviews, Perspectives, Methods Articles, and Data Reports that provide novel mechanistic, genomic, computational, or clinical insights into the role of p53–ncRNA regulatory networks in cancer biology and precision oncology. Topic editors: Mariano Francesco Caratozzolo Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/83121/p53-non-coding-rna-regulatory-networks-in-cancer-from-tumour-evolution-to-circulating-tumour-cells