Non-Coding RNAs Discussed at CIU-MEDx
At a conference held as part of the CIU-MEDx Sustainable Health Seminars organized by the Faculty of Medicine at Cyprus International University, the biological functions of non-coding RNAs and their current applications in healthcare were discussed by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Işın, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Medicine.
During the conference, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Işın explained that non-coding RNAs, which had long been regarded as non-functional regions of the genome, are now recognized through scientific research as playing critical roles in regulating cellular mechanisms. He noted that RNA types such as microRNA (miRNA), long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), and circular RNA (circRNA) are particularly important in controlling gene expression.
Drawing attention to advances in genomic technologies that have accelerated research in this field, Işın stated that non-coding RNAs can be detected not only within cells but also in the circulatory system. He noted that this characteristic creates new opportunities for disease diagnosis. In particular, he emphasized that liquid biopsy studies based on data obtained from blood samples have shown promising results for the early detection of many diseases.
The conference also addressed the roles of non-coding RNAs in cancer biology. Işın explained that these molecules are associated with processes such as tumor formation, cell proliferation, and metastasis. He added that certain RNA types are now being evaluated as biomarkers and have begun to be used in diagnostic procedures.
Işın also shared recent research findings regarding the effects of non-coding RNAs on the development of various diseases, particularly cardiovascular and neurological disorders. He stated that RNA-based therapeutic approaches could play a significant role in personalized medicine in the future and noted that research in this area is expanding rapidly.
In his remarks on the topic, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Işın said:
“Non-coding RNAs have become an important component not only of molecular biology research but also of the diagnostic and therapeutic methods of the future. A better understanding of the functions of these molecules will contribute to explaining the biological basis of many diseases.”
It was also noted that the events organized within the framework of the CIU-MEDx Sustainable Health Seminars continue to facilitate the sharing of current research in the health sciences while contributing to the scientific development of both students and academics.