Subsection |
Topics covered |
Guidelines |
Bioinformatics |
- AI
- NGS
- mathematical modeling
- phylogenetic oligo arrays
|
- Manuscripts presenting new software, algorithms, databases, web servers, or web services must clearly demonstrate the validity of these tools in proof-of-principle experiments or analyses; authors should also describe how these tools improve upon current approaches.
- New software, algorithms, databases, web servers, or web services must be open access, with a direct link to the host site or database provided within the main text of the manuscript.
- Novel software and source code must be provided in a version-controlled repository, such as GitHub or GitLab.
|
Delivery strategies |
- chemistry
- ligands
- lipid nanoparticles
- localized delivery applications
- polymeric nanoparticles
- systemic delivery
- targeted delivery
- viral vectors
|
- Studies can cover the broad field of targeting and clinical applications. Examples include different routes of delivery (e.g., localized, systemic, subcutaneous, intrathecal), targeted vs. non-targeted delivery applications, lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), polymeric nanoparticles (PNPs), viral vectors, and chemistries.
- For targeted delivery approaches, there should be a clear demonstration of specificity with the inclusion of at least one negative control or control cell line.
- For nanoparticle-based approaches, the composition of the particle must be provided.
- Studies must include comprehensive data on the functional efficacy of the proposed strategy.
- Efficacy studies should be performed in at least two in vitro systems.
- Validation of the delivery approach in vivo is preferred but not required.
|
Non-coding RNAs |
- circRNAs
- lncRNAs
- miRNAs
- siRNAs
- regulatory guidelines
|
- Studies should pioneer innovative research into non-coding RNAs involved in disease, potential therapeutic interventions targeting these disease elements, or using novel non-coding RNAs for treatment.
- Validation of the non-coding RNA should be robust and highly reproducible with compelling data supporting the molecular effects in the disease, which may include overexpression and silencing studies, binding interactions with molecular targets, deletion of the target site, or functional rescue, with data supporting significant downstream effects. Relevant controls should be included pertaining to the specific non-coding RNA under investigation, e.g., miRNA studies should have scrambled or non-target controls for experiments.
- Therapeutic interventions targeting non-coding RNAs should be validated in relevant disease models.
- The functional relevance of the non-coding RNA in disease must be established. Experimental data demonstrating that the perturbation of the non-coding RNA can augment the disease state should be present or at least a clear rationale described for therapeutic invention for a novel non-coding RNA.
- Top candidate non-coding RNAs identified with bioinformatic approaches must be extensively validated experimentally. Purely computational or bioinformatic approaches for non-coding RNAs should be submitted to the Bioinformatics section.
- Studies pertaining to the mechanisms of action and applications of synthetic oligonucleotides should be submitted to other sections.
|
Oligonucleotides: diagnostics and biosensors |
- aptamer-based biosensors
- molecular beacons
- nanostructured biosensors
- radiolabeled oligonucleotides
- rolling circle amplification-based biosensors
|
- Studies should present novel research in the broad field of molecular diagnostics and biosensors involving nucleic acids and their application in medicine.
- Studies involving aptamers must provide their sequences and equilibrium dissociation constants. Aptamer binding must be validated by at least two methods with appropriate controls.
- The target(s) of the aptamers should be identified.
- The specificity, sensitivity, accuracy, and working/dynamic range of assays must be clearly demonstrated and calculated.
|
Oligonucleotides: therapies and applications |
- clinical studies
- CMC
- development
- discovery
- preclinical assessment
- regulatory RNAs
|
- The efficacy of the proposed strategy should be reproducibly demonstrated in at least two disease-specific cellular models in vitro. Confirmation in at least one animal model in vivo is preferred but not required.
- Studies should include positive/benchmark controls as well as negative controls. Matched, scrambled oligonucleotides with similar chemistry should be included in studies characterizing the impact of new chemistries on the efficacy and safety of oligonucleotides.
- Studies on new oligonucleotide therapeutic modalities should include safety assessments (including the potential immunotoxicity of such strategies) at least in vitro. Safety studies can include immune cell viability testing and cytokine profiling, e.g., high-density peripheral blood mononuclear cell cultures for human-related reagents.
- Studies based on immunomodulatory oligonucleotides should address the broad immune activity of oligonucleotide-based reagents, both positive and negative regulation of immune responses, with clear relevance to therapy of human diseases.
- Early-stage clinical studies and studies of new oligonucleotide therapeutic modalities should include an overall safety assessment of these reagents.
|
RNA/DNA editing |
- ADAR
- CRISPR
- HDR
- NHEJ
- TALEN
- ZFN
|
- Studies that integrate both biochemical and functional approaches are preferred.
- Studies that show the productive effects of editing must be confirmed in at least two independent experimental models.
- Approaches involving epigenetic mechanisms must address the specificity of the mechanism(s) involved.
- The specificity (potential off-target events) and efficiency of the RNA/DNA editing approach must be clearly demonstrated.
- For RNA editing, transcriptome-wide and bystander events should be assessed. For DNA editing, genome-wide off-target analysis should be performed.
|