Abstract
Most of the human genome is transcribed into noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), which although do not encode proteins, are often involved in key cellular processes. Recent technological advances have accelerated the discovery of ncRNA as well as our understanding of ncRNAs as cancer biomarkers and targets. In this "In the Limelight" special issue of FEBS Open Bio, four review articles by leading experts provide an overview of the role of ncRNAs in cancer, from their association to liver cancer to their role as oncogenes in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).