Following the formulation of the central dogma of molecular biology and the later discovery of classes of non-coding RNAs, the primary focus of Genetics was essentially on variation of DNA aiming at elucidating biological pathways perturbed in diseases. Recently, extensive attention has shifted towards the study of posttranscriptional RNA modifications occurring in both protein-coding as well as non-coding RNAs, revealing a novel and finer layer of complexity in gene regulation. This, in turn, has led to the birth of the novel field of ‘Epitranscriptomics’. The recent increase of applications of high-throughput sequencing technology (HTS) has allowed the unprecedented opportunity to identify on a transcriptome-wide scale, millions of RNA modifications in human genes, counting today more than 140 distinct types such as: methylation (e.g. m6A, m1A, m5C, hm5C, 2’OMe) methylation (e.g. m6A, m1A, m5C, hm5C, 2’OMe), pseudourylation (?), deamination (e.g. A-to-I RNA editing). The scope of this Research Topic was to collect both reviews and research articles addressing the wet lab approaches and bioinformatics methodologies necessary to aid in the identification of novel RNA modifications and characterization of their biological functions. Among the articles embracing the aim of the Research Topic, we have collected four original research and methods articles, five reviews, and a technology article.

This book reviews a novel and exciting field of cellular and molecular biology called epitranscriptomics, which focuses on changes in an organism’s cells resulting from the posttranscriptional modification of cellular RNA. RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) play a crucial role in these posttranscriptional modifications and also support several cellular processes necessary for maintaining RNA homeostasis. Exploring the mechanisms underlying RNA modifications and RBP function is an emerging area of biomedical research, taking the study of gene regulation a step beyond epigenetics. This book reveals that the RNA molecule is not just an information-carrying molecule with some secondary structures. Accordingly, how RNA is modified, regulated, packaged, and controlled is an important aspect. Leading experts address questions such as where the over 170 distinct posttranscriptional RNA modifications are located on the genome, what percentage of mRNAs and noncoding RNAs these modifications include, and how an RNA modification impacts a person’s biology. In closing, the book reviews the role of RNA modifications and RBPs in a variety of diseases and their pathogenesis. Addressing some of the most exciting challenges in epitranscriptomics, this book provides a valuable and engaging resource for researchers in academia and industry studying the phenomena of RNA modification.

MANAGING PLANT STRESS USING SALICYLIC ACID Enables readers to understand the ability of salicylic acid in reducing the effects of abiotic stresses in different crop species Salicylic acid is an important plant hormone which acts as a multifunctional molecule and regulates key physiological and biochemical processes in plants. This book highlights the tremendous potential of treating plants with salicylic acid, either prior to or during stress. It focuses on the specific challenges and opportunities related to exogenous application or priming technology, such as the mode of application, new methodologies, and the potential impacts of salicylic acid on the environment. Sample topics covered in the book include: The latest research on the ability of salicylic acid in reducing the effects of abiotic stresses in different crop species The mechanism of action of salicylic acid at the biochemical and molecular level Salicylic acid and its crosstalk with other plant hormones under stressful environments Regulation of abiotic stress by salicylic acid at the gene level The role of salicylic acid on the postharvest physiology of plants This book will be of significant interest to researchers, academics, and scientists working in the field of salicylic acid mediated responses in plants under challenging environments and with abiotic stress tolerance.