The Expansive Future of RNA
The success of the COVID-19 vaccines has catalyzed a revolution in RNA therapeutics. RNA-based therapies provide a highly versatile and adaptable treatment modality without the risks associated with genomic editing. Currently RNA-based treatments for cancer, infectious diseases, and genetic disorder are under active development. In this course we will explore the scientific discoveries that have made this exciting technological advancement possible. Topics will include eukaryotic transcriptional and translational regulation, RNA structure, RNA modifications, and codon optimality. We will also explore the role of small RNAs (tRNAs, miRNAs, siRNAs) in the regulation of gene expression and RNA therapy.

Ethan Strayer (Middlebury class of 2016) is a doctoral candidate in the laboratory of Dr. Antonio Giraldez at Yale University. His work seeks to understand how cis-regulatory elements encoded in an mRNA modulate transcript stability and translational output. This work has resulted in the filing multiple patents, as well as contributed to the launch of RESA therapeutics, a biotech company focused on the development of novel mRNA therapies./