Pakistan BioMedical Journal

smOOPs in Cancer: A Hypothetical Link Between Condensation-Prone RNAs and Oncogenesis

Diki Diki — 2026-06-30

A key regulator of cellular function is a condensate that is developed in the liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) process, including RNAs. A newly identified class of condensation-prone RNAs is termed smOOPs (semi-extractable and orthogonal organic phase separation-enriched RNAs). Recently proposed by Klobučar et al. smOOPs represent an emerging and not yet fully characterized class of condensation-prone RNAs [1]. RNA plays essential roles in a wide range of cellular processes. This editorial discusses the characteristics of smOOPs, their role in cellular metabolism, as well as in early developmental stages. Besides, dysregulation of biomolecular condensation involving condensation-prone RNAs such as smOOPs may contribute to future studies of oncogenic processes. Although direct evidence linking smOOPs to cancer is currently lacking, the discovery of smOOPs provides a useful framework for investigating whether dysregulated condensation-prone RNAs may contribute to oncogenic processes.

One of the unique characteristics of smOOPs is their long transcript, folding internal structure, and special protein binding. It exhibits a high propensity for intermolecular interactions and tend to develop condensates. Protein binding in conventional RNA is low to moderate, while smOOPs are heavily bound by RNA-binding proteins. smOOP RNAs tend to exhibit more stable or highly structured conformations compared to many conventional mRNAs that have relatively flexible structures. Typically, smOOPs are rich in hairpin loops and bulges and very tight internal loops. In addition, smOOPs usually have complex secondary structures, bind many RNA-binding proteins (RBP), are located near chromatin, and develop an intermolecular network. There are differences between conventional RNA and smOOPs; while conventional RNA is easily extracted, smOOP RNA is not [1, 2].

Figure 1: The Structure of smOOPs

The RNA molecule is a scaffold during the early embryonic phase. For example, smOOPs can control gene expression, epigenetic, and mediate the development of the nuclear compartment. During embryonic development, smOOPs regulate the distribution of regulatory molecules. By keeping or releasing certain signal molecules in its condensate, smOOPs may take part in the regulation of molecular environments associated with differentiation and stemness [1].

Although direct evidence linking smOOPs to cancer is still lacking, the discovery of smOOPs provides a conceptual framework to investigate how aberrant condensation might contribute to oncogenesis. Dysregulation of biomolecular condensates has been strongly associated with various malignancies, including genomic instability, epigenetic rewiring, and aberrant oncogenic signaling [3, 4]. The recent discovery of smOOPs—a class of condensation-prone RNAs that act as scaffolds for phase separation raises the possibility that aberrant smOOP function may contribute to the pathological condensates observed in cancer [1].

Aberrant smOOP-mediated condensate formation may alter the spatial organization of oncogenic regulators, potentially leading to dysregulated gene expression, chromatin remodeling, and oncogenic signaling pathways. Several cancers have been associated with aberrant biomolecular condensates and altered RNA–protein interactions, suggesting a possible future role for smOOPs-related mechanisms in oncogenesis. Those changes include not only changes in condensation that activate oncogenes and changes in proliferation control. However, current results that connect smOOPs directly to oncogenesis are still early, while most available studies of smOOPs focus on developmental biology and condensate formation.

Prevalence of Burnout and Its Association with Academic Stress among MBBS, BDS, and Allied Health Sciences Students in Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Study

Manahl Imran — 2026-06-30

The situation of healthcare students suffering from burnout is a global issue, but there is limited data on the subject across various healthcare disciplines in Pakistan (MBBS, BDS, Allied Health Sciences). Objectives: To establish the prevalence, explore the relationship between academic stress and burnout, and to compare the dimensions of academic stress with the highest correlation scores with burnout, and to compare the level of burnout across demographic factors. Methods: The study was of cross-sectional descriptive analytical design conducted in three institutions of Pakistan in the period of January 2026 – April, 2026. Academic stress (8 items) and burnout (12 items) were measured using a structured questionnaire on a 5-point Likert scale. Because data distributions were non-normal, non-parametric tests were used (Spearman's correlation, Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal- Wallis), and the results were based on 306 valid responses. Results: In general, 85.7% of students had medium (65.9%) or severe (19.8%) burnout. Total academic stress correlated significantly with burnout (ρ=0.363, 95% CI: 0.257–0.470, p<0.001). The individual correlation with “No revision time” was the highest (ρ=0.252). There were no significant differences between males and females, program, year of study, or residence regarding burnout (all p>0.005). Conclusions: The study found that around 85.7% of the Pakistani healthcare students are experiencing burnout, mainly due to chronic time constraints and cumulative workload. Systemic institutional changes such as curricular changes and accessible mental health support are urgently needed.

Factors Associated with Nurses’ Knowledge Regarding High-Alert Medication Administration, Relevant Regulations, and Perceived Obstacles in Tertiary Care Hospitals of Karachi: An Analytical Cross-Sectional Study

Daman Ali — 2026-06-30

Medication safety during administration is crucial and a global concern and is directly linked to patient care, quality, and safety. High alert medications (HAMs) have an increased risk of causing harm if misused and must be administered correctly. Nurses play a primary role in drug administration and regulation, so it would be important to assess the level of knowledge of HAMs possessed by nurses. Objectives: To assess nurses’ knowledge regarding the administration of HAMs, their understanding of relevant regulations and the perceived obstacles to safe high-alert medication practices in tertiary care hospitals of Karachi. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted. 263 registered nurses were recruited in the study from Dow University Hospital and Civil Hospital, Karachi, using a non-probability convenience sampling method. Data were collected using a validated self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 27.0. Results: Nurses in both hospitals were aged 25–30 years (48%), with 53% males and 47% BSN graduates in the majority. The level of knowledge of the majority of nurses was moderate. Overall knowledge levels were (31%) good knowledge, moderate (52%), and poor (17%). The lack of rigorous regulations (46%) out of all obstacles was a systemic and institutional challenge to safe HAM management. Conclusions: Nurses had moderate knowledge about administration and regulations, with age and work experience influencing knowledge levels. To reduce medication errors, organized training sessions and simulated workshops, standard operating procedures, and frequent competency assessments are needed in hospitals.