Revisiting noncoding RNAs: emerging coding functions and their impact on skeletal muscle development

Accumulating evidence has revealed noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) as versatile regulators in skeletal muscle development, extending beyond their canonical roles as nontranslating transcripts. Recent advancements in proteomics and translatomics have demonstrated that ncRNAs containing cryptic open reading frames can encode peptides/proteins. Here we systematically evaluate computational tools and databases for predicting ncRNA-encoded products, dissect the molecular mechanisms underlying their translation and synthesize the current landscape of ncRNA-derived peptides/proteins identified in skeletal muscle across species. We further discuss their emerging roles in myogenesis and potential clinical implications for muscle-related disorders. By highlighting the dual functionality of ncRNAs as both regulatory RNAs and peptide/protein precursors, this work provides a comprehensive resource for understanding the expanding complexity of skeletal muscle development and proposes novel therapeutic targets for muscle diseases.