Following the completion of human genome project, it became increasingly interesting to understand how our genome has fewer protein-coding genes than rice and only ~20% more than a simple slug that is made up of just ~1,000 cells. The entire human protein-coding gene sequences account for less than 1.5% of the entire genome, leaving us to ponder over the importance and evolutionary significance of the rest of our genome. Studies carried out have shown in the past few years that a class of noncoding RNAs, microRNAs, are necessary for normal development and function of endocrine pancreas.

We invite investigators to contribute original research articles as well as review articles that will stimulate further research in this area of biology, with specific reference to diabetes. We are particularly interested in articles describing the role of ncRNAs/microRNAs in endocrine pancreas development, their role in normal physiology of pancreatic cells, as well as their potential as biomarkers in diabetes. Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

• ncRNAs in pancreas development
• ncRNAs in pancreatic diseases
• Role of ncRNAs/microRNAs in endocrine pancreatic differentiation
• RNA-based biomarkers in diabetes
• Novel resources in ncRNA biology
• Bioinformatics analysis of ncRNAs
• ncRNAs targeting endocrine transcription factors

Before submission authors should carefully read over the journal's Author Guidelines, which are located at http://www.hindawi.com/journals/jdr/guidelines/. Prospective authors should submit an electronic copy of their complete manuscript through the journal Manuscript Tracking System at http://mts.hindawi.com/ according to the following timetable: