Welcome to nature.com, where we dive deep into the fascinating world of epitranscriptomics and RNA structure in cancer. This curated collection of research articles and reviews delves into the intricate relationship between RNA chemical modifications and structural conformations, shedding light on their crucial roles in cancer biology.
Decoding RNA Modifications in Cancer Biology
Explore the pivotal roles of key RNA modifications like N6-methyladenosine (m6A), 5-methylcytosine (m5C), pseudouridine (Ψ), and adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) editing in regulating oncogenic pathways. These modifications exert dynamic influences across the RNA life cycle, impacting processes from transcription to degradation and playing critical roles in tumor progression. Discover how these modifications, along with RNA structures like hairpins and G-quadruplexes, actively shape RNA stability and functions, ultimately driving cancer development and therapeutic resistance.
- Cutting-edge research unveils how epitranscriptomic modifications and RNA structures collaborate to regulate cancer-relevant phenotypes.
- Advancements in high-throughput sequencing, direct RNA modification mapping, and RNA structural probing are propelling this field forward, uncovering novel regulatory mechanisms in cancer biology.
Meet the Experts Driving Innovation
Join Dr. Sreejith Nair from Georgetown University and Dr. Pradeep Chaluvally Raghavan from the Medical College of Wisconsin as they spearhead groundbreaking research in the realm of epitranscriptomics and RNA structure in cancer.
Dr. Nair’s work at Georgetown University focuses on unraveling the molecular interplay between biomolecular condensates, intrinsically disordered proteins, and RNAs, with a special emphasis on their roles in cancer development and therapeutic response. Leveraging biochemical, genomic, and cell biological approaches, Dr. Nair investigates the intricate structure-function relationships of RNAs and disordered protein domains, particularly in breast and ovarian cancers. Supported by competitive grants from esteemed institutions like the U.S. Department of Defense and the NIH, Dr. Nair’s research is driving novel insights in cancer biology and therapeutic discovery.
Dr. Raghavan, based at the Medical College of Wisconsin, delves into how RNA Binding Proteins (RBPs) contribute to phase separation in various cell types within the cancer microenvironment. His lab is dedicated to unraveling the cooperative oncogenesis orchestrated by RBPs in driving cancer progression. Through the development and validation of agents targeting RBPs and their downstream effectors, Dr. Raghavan’s team is paving the way for innovative strategies in cancer therapy, utilizing single-cell genomic technologies for efficient target identification and drug development.
Unveiling Translational Potential in Precision Oncology
This collection not only showcases cutting-edge research but also explores the translational potential of targeting epitranscriptomic pathways and RNA structural elements in precision oncology. By understanding and manipulating these intricate molecular mechanisms, researchers aim to open new avenues for tailored cancer therapies, revolutionizing the landscape of precision medicine.
Additional Thoughts
“In the symphony of cancer biology, epitranscriptomics and RNA structure play the role of conductors, orchestrating the complex interplay of genetic information. By decoding these molecular melodies, we harmonize towards a future where personalized cancer treatments hit all the right notes.”
Tags: regulatory
Read more on nature.com
