The roles of gene transcription in cancer have long been appreciated. However, posttranscriptional processes also contribute significantly to alterations in gene expression that lead to tumor initiation, formation, and progression.We have known for decades that alterations in the expression of key genes, such as those involved in cell proliferation, signaling, apoptosis, and immune responses, are major molecular events in cancer. This book presents our current understanding of selected posttranscriptional control mechanisms and the RNAs that they regulate. Each chapter provides an overview of a specific RNA-directed regulatory system and the RNA/protein factors involved, then discusses major findings in the field and their relationships to the development and/or treatment of cancer and associated diseases. Future questions serve to address 'where do we go from here' and stimulate the reader's thinking about these important problems.This compendium of chapters from experts in the field is essential reading for anyone interested in the myriad ways that RNAs contribute to tumorigenesis: from graduate students, researchers, and clinical scientists interested in mRNA processing and translation, RNA-binding proteins that promote turnover/stability of specific mRNAs, how small noncoding RNAs control inflammation and signaling, roles of the epitranscriptome, and future and emerging RNA-based, anti-tumor therapeutics.

The roles of gene transcription in cancer have long been appreciated. However, posttranscriptional processes also contribute significantly to alterations in gene expression that lead to tumor initiation, formation, and progression. We have known for decades that alterations in the expression of key genes, such as those involved in cell proliferation, signaling, apoptosis, and immune responses, are major molecular events in cancer. This book presents our current understanding of selected posttranscriptional control mechanisms and the RNAs that they regulate. Each chapter provides an overview of a specific RNA-directed regulatory system and the RNA/protein factors involved, then discusses major findings in the field and their relationships to the development and/or treatment of cancer and associated diseases. Future questions serve to address "where do we go from here" and stimulate the reader's thinking about these important problems. This compendium of chapters from experts in the field is essential reading for anyone interested in the myriad ways that RNAs contribute to tumorigenesis: from graduate students, researchers, and clinical scientists interested in mRNA processing and translation, RNA-binding proteins that promote turnover/stability of specific mRNAs, how small noncoding RNAs control inflammation and signaling, roles of the epitranscriptome, and future and emerging RNA-based, anti-tumor therapeutics.

RNA-based Regulation in Human Health and Disease offers an in-depth exploration of RNA mediated genome regulation at different hierarchies. Beginning with multitude of canonical and non-canonical RNA populations, especially noncoding RNA in human physiology and evolution, further sections examine the various classes of RNAs (from small to large noncoding and extracellular RNAs), functional categories of RNA regulation (RNA-binding proteins, alternative splicing, RNA editing, antisense transcripts and RNA G-quadruplexes), dynamic aspects of RNA regulation modulating physiological homeostasis (aging), role of RNA beyond humans, tools and technologies for RNA research (wet lab and computational) and future prospects for RNA-based diagnostics and therapeutics. One of the core strengths of the book includes spectrum of disease-specific chapters from experts in the field highlighting RNA-based regulation in metabolic & neurodegenerative disorders, cancer, inflammatory disease, viral and bacterial infections. We hope the book helps researchers, students and clinicians appreciate the role of RNA-based regulation in genome regulation, aiding the development of useful biomarkers for prognosis, diagnosis, and novel RNA-based therapeutics. Comprehensive information of non-canonical RNA-based genome regulation modulating human health and disease Defines RNA classes with special emphasis on unexplored world of noncoding RNA at different hierarchies Disease specific role of RNA - causal, prognostic, diagnostic and therapeutic Features contributions from leading experts in the field

This open access textbook leads the reader from basic concepts of chromatin structure and function and RNA mechanisms to the understanding of epigenetics, imprinting, regeneration and reprogramming. The textbook treats epigenetic phenomena in animals, as well as plants. Written by four internationally known experts and senior lecturers in this field, it provides a valuable tool for Master- and PhD- students who need to comprehend the principles of epigenetics, or wish to gain a deeper knowledge in this field. After reading this book, the student will: Have an understanding of the basic toolbox of epigenetic regulation Know how genetic and epigenetic information layers are interconnected Be able to explain complex epigenetic phenomena by understanding the structures and principles of the underlying molecular mechanisms Understand how misregulated epigenetic mechanisms can lead to disease

This volume presents techniques needed for the study of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in cancer from their identification to functional characterization. Chapters guide readers through identification of lncRNA expression signatures in cancer tissue or liquid biopsies by RNAseq, single Cell RNAseq, Phospho RNAseq or Nanopore Sequencing techniques; validation of lncRNA signatures by Real time PCR, digital PCR or in situ hybridization; and functional analysis by siRNA or CRISPR based methods for lncRNA silencing or overexpression. Lipid based nanoparticles for delivery of siRNAs in vivo, lncRNA-protein interactions, viral lncRNAs and circRNAs are also treated in this volume. Written in the format of the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, each chapter includes an introduction to the topic, lists necessary materials and reagents, includes tips on troubleshooting and known pitfalls, and step-by-step, readily reproducible protocols. Authoritative and practical, Long Non-Coding RNAs in Cancer aims to provide a collection of laboratory protocols, bioinformatic pipelines, and review chapters to further research in this vital field.

The three sections of this volume present currently available cancer gene therapy techniques. Part I describes the various aspects of gene delivery. In Part II, the contributors discuss strategies and targets for the treatment of cancer. Finally, in Part III, experts discuss the difficulties inherent in bringing gene therapy treatment for cancer to the clinic. This book will prove valuable as the volume of preclinical and clinical data continues to increase.

The discovery of microRNA (miRNA) involvement in cancer a decade ago, and the more recent findings of long non-coding RNAs in human diseases, challenged the long-standing view that RNAs without protein-coding potential are simply “junk” transcription within the human genome. These findings evidently changed the dogma that “DNA makes RNA makes protein” by showing that RNAs themselves can be essential regulators of cellular function and play key roles in cancer development. MiRNAs are evolutionarily conserved short single-stranded transcripts of 19–24 nucleotides in length. They do not code for proteins, but change the final output of protein-coding genes by regulating their transcriptional and/or translation process. Ultraconserved genes (UCGs) are non-coding RNAs with longer length (>200bp) that are transcribed from the ultraconserved genomic region. Both miRNAs and UCGs are located within cancer-associated genomic regions (CAGRs) and can act as tumor suppressors or oncogenes. In this chapter, we present principles and concepts that have been identified over the last decade with respect to our understanding of the function of non-coding RNAs, and summarize recent findings on the role of miRNAs and UCGs in cancer development. Finally, we will conclude by discussing the translational potential of this knowledge into clinical settings such as cancer diagnosis, prognosis and treatment.