Perspectives and Innovations in Non-Coding RNA Bioinformatics

Dear Colleagues,

In the dynamic and ever-evolving field of bioinformatics, the study of non-coding RNA (ncRNA) stands at the forefront of scientific discovery and innovation. Historically overshadowed by the prominence of coding sequences in genetic research, ncRNAs have gradually emerged as crucial regulators of gene expression and function, playing pivotal roles in diverse biological processes and diseases, and are now the subject of intense research regarding RNA-based therapies. This Special Issue of the Non-Coding RNA journal seeks to spotlight the latest advancements and breakthroughs in the realm of ncRNA, particularly focusing on the development and validation of novel bioinformatic algorithms that enhance our understanding and manipulation of these vital genetic elements.

The significance of ncRNAs in biological systems cannot be overstated. These RNA molecules are now commonly recognized as key players in gene regulation, including processes such as transcriptional control, RNA splicing, and epigenetic modification. The burgeoning interest in ncRNAs has spurred the development of bioinformatics tools and algorithms designed to analyze their functions, interactions, and regulatory mechanisms. However, the complexity of ncRNA-mediated pathways and the sheer volume of genomic data present substantial challenges that demand innovative computational solutions.

This Special Issue is dedicated to showcasing high-quality, original research contributions and comprehensive reviews that push the boundaries of current knowledge on ncRNA bioinformatics. In particular, we encourage the submissions of two kinds of contributions that strictly adhere to the following indications:

1. Manuscripts that introduce novel algorithms or significantly improve upon existing methodologies and pipelines. These contributions should not only present theoretical advancements but also demonstrate practical utility and validation, preferably backed with experimental data. By achieving this, this Special Issue aims to provide a platform for the groundbreaking tools and best practice methods that can decipher the intricate roles of ncRNAs in health and disease, offering new insights and fostering further scientific inquiry.
2. High-quality reviews that clearly summarize the major advances and usability of bioinformatics tools in the ncRNA world. Contributions may span a wide range of topics, including, but are not limited to, the prediction and characterization of ncRNA structures and functions, identification of ncRNA–protein interactions, analysis of ncRNA involvement in regulatory networks, and exploration of the implications of ncRNAs in disease pathogenesis and therapeutic interventions. We are particularly interested in works that bridge the gap between theoretical algorithm development and practical application in biological research, thus facilitating a deeper understanding of ncRNA mechanisms. Reviews should be comprehensive but also, importantly, prioritize the citation of the most robust and trustable studies in the ncRNA research field.

This Special Issue also represents an opportunity to reflect on the current state of the art, identifying gaps in our knowledge and proposing directions for future research. We hope to stimulate a fruitful dialogue among researchers, encouraging collaborations that transcend disciplinary boundaries and drive this field forward. In summary, this Special Issue aims to present a landmark collection of papers that showcase cutting-edge research in ncRNA bioinformatics and set the stage for future innovations in this vital area of study.

We look forward to your valuable contributions and to advancing our collective understanding of the complex world of non-coding RNAs.

Dr. Luca Agnelli
Prof. Dr. Stefania Bortoluzzi
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Non-Coding RNA is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1800 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• non-coding RNA
• bioinformatics
• gene regulation
• algorithm development
• disease pathogenesis
• innovative research
• small ncRNA
• long ncRNA