Cover: Post-transcriptional mechanisms, including RNA stability, play a critical role in regulating gene expression in neuropsychiatric disorders. In this issue, Wang et al. (pages 325–339) analyzed RNA-Seq data from the brains of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), schizophrenia (SCZ), and bipolar disorder (BD), and uncovered disease-specific alterations in RNA stability—increased in ASD but decreased in SCZ and BD—leading to distinct effects on apoptosis and neurogenesis. The cover illustration metaphorically represents these differences through the structure of a willow tree, where the branches symbolize RNA transcripts. On the left, long and densely layered branches reflect enhanced RNA stability in ASD. Beneath them rests a tightly closed white tulip, symbolizing restricted neurodevelopment. In contrast, the right side displays sparse, fragmented branches and drifting fallen leaves, illustrating the reduced RNA stability observed in SCZ and BD. At the base of the tree, a pale datura flower and a bicolor iris (orange and purple) represent perceptual disruption in SCZ and emotional polarity in BD. This visual composition encapsulates how post-transcriptional regulation, particularly RNA stability, contributes to distinct molecular and pathological signatures across neuropsychiatric conditions. Cover art by Lijuan Zong and Cheng Qian.

2025, 39(4): 325–339. DOI: 10.7555/JBR.38.20240114

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