Global research trends in non-coding RNA and intestinal epithelial homeostasis: an integrated bibliometric analysis (2007–2024)

Non-coding RNAs regulate gene expression through various mechanisms, playing key roles in life activities. Intestinal epithelial homeostasis (IEH) is a dynamic equilibrium state formed by the interaction of intestinal mucosal barrier, intestinal environment and other factors. There are many recorded documents demonstrating a close relationship between non-coding RNAs and IEH. Therefore, it is significant to retrospectively explore the current status, hotspots and trends of non-coding RNA (ncRNA) and IEH through a bibliometric perspective. We searched the Web of Science (WOS) for studies related to non-coding RNA and intestinal epithelial homeostasis from 1980 to December 2024, then downloaded the data. CiteSpace 6.3.1, VOSviewer 1.6.20, SCImago Graphica and Excel software were used to draw knowledge visualization maps. A total of 667 publications relevant to ncRNA and IEH were included. The publication output and citation counts generally demonstrated an initial increase followed by a subsequent decrease. The publications have received a total of 18,979 citations, with an average of approximately 28 citations per article. China published the most articles, followed by the United States. Keyword analysis indicated that inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), intestinal immunity, and gut microbiota were of high importance. IBD dominates IEH research, yet circRNA is an emerging focus. Exploring ncRNAs in intestinal stem cell and colitis-associated cancer holds great research potential in the future. Multidisciplinary integration is the research trend. Our findings provide a comprehensive knowledge framework for researchers and clinicians aiming to explore ncRNA-based diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for IEH. Our results highlight the need for translational research to validate ncRNA-based diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for gut barrier disorders.