Being a basic entity of molecular and cellular biology, RNA carries out important roles in the cell. These functions are critical for the cellular development, survival, and overall growth of an organism. Understanding the complex mechanisms of action of an RNA is central in interpreting its role in both the physiological and pathological states of the cells. While numerous species of RNA have been discovered in the past several years, their cellular function and mode of action is yet to be elucidated. Moreover, the fragility of RNA molecules outside of the cell has posed experimental challenges in studying it. Advances in RNA technology, such as next-generation sequencing, chemical structure probing, and RNA-targeted therapeutics have made RNA biology considerably more accessible experimentally. These advances provide opportunities to establish specific functional and regulatory aspects of RNA.

New, unique, and highly improved protocols for studying the three-dimensional architecture of RNA using chemical probing and cryo-Electron Microscopy (cryo-EM), high throughput RNA sequencing to identify non-canonical RNA nucleotides and spliced mRNA isoforms, deciphering complex networks of RNA (RNA interactome), intracellular localization of RNA and RNA editing techniques not only facilitate functional characterization of any RNA molecule but also empower us to harness them in developing novel RNA based therapeutic interventions. The goal of this special edition is to exemplify and report a novel and robust quantitative tools and protocols that make it easier to study RNA within any model system and aid in better research.