Topic: Non-coding RNAs and Beyond: Cancer Metastasis Mechanisms and Precision Therapy

The overwhelming burden of cancer mortality is attributable to metastatic spread, yet fundamental gaps remain in our understanding of how tumor cells gain invasive competence, survive circulatory transit, and colonize distant organ sites. Non‑coding RNAs have emerged as pivotal regulators governing each phase of the metastatic journey. Mounting evidence reveals extensive interplay between non‑coding RNAs and other layers of molecular control, encompassing RNA‑binding proteins, chemical modifications of RNA, and signaling networks active within the tumor microenvironment.

Continuous innovation in multi‑omics integration, single‑cell resolution techniques, and spatial profiling is steadily illuminating novel metastatic signatures and delivering increasingly refined mechanistic knowledge. These developments create promising entry points for the discovery of new biomarkers and for constructing precise, molecularly tailored therapeutic regimens directed against metastatic disease.

This Special Issue positions non‑coding RNAs as a focal theme, while strongly encouraging submissions that probe the broader molecular circuitry driving metastasis. Our objective is to bring together the latest progress in fundamental mechanistic investigation and to explore how these insights can be channeled into enhanced therapeutic approaches.

We welcome original research articles and reviews spanning topics that include, but are not restricted to:

● Functional roles of miRNAs, lncRNAs, circRNAs and additional non‑coding RNA classes in metastatic progression;

● Dynamic interplay linking non‑coding RNAs, RNA‑binding proteins and RNA modifications across the course of tumor evolution;

● Non‑coding RNA‑governed signaling dialogue between malignant cells and the surrounding tumor microenvironment;

● Multi‑omics, single‑cell and spatial profiling methodologies for deciphering regulatory networks that orchestrate metastasis;

● Deployment of non‑coding RNAs as diagnostic, prognostic and predictive biomarkers for metastatic cancers;

● Resistance mechanisms associated with therapeutic intervention in metastatic settings;

● Preclinical exploration of ncRNA‑directed strategies and multi‑agent combination protocols;

● Translational research and clinical perspectives on precision management of advanced metastatic malignancies.