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The mission of the RNA Bioscience Initiative (RBI) is to cultivate a vibrant center of discovery and innovation in RNA biology, informatics, diagnostics, and therapy. Our goal is to provide a fluid pipeline from basic to clinical RNA research at the Anschutz Medical Campus.
Autumn 2022
Yale University researchers took advantage of single-cell RNA sequencing technology to determine what makes the human brain different from our closest primate relatives. They discovered that microglia, a type of immune cell found only in the central nervous system, is specific to humans. Furthermore, the team found that these microglia express the gene FOXP2; FOXP2 expression has been associated with both language acquisition and neurological diseases.
Autumn 2022
Researchers at Ohio State University recently identified 5000 types of RNA viruses in the world's oceans, most of which were previously unknown. Importantly, at least 11 of the newly discovered virus infect plankton that play a role in the "carbon pump" that sequesters CO2 on the sea floor. Researchers predict that in the future manipulation of these viruses may be used to improve CO2 capture.August 25, 2022
Read about how Dr. Ramachandran in collaboration with Peter Kabos, MD (CU Medical Oncology) designed a simple blood test to screen for breast cancer, obviating the need for invasive biopsy. The test relies on using modern sequencing techniques to map estrogen receptors and FOXA1 in cell-free DNA from patient derived plasma.
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August 2022
RBI's Quentin Vicens, PhD, in collaboration with BMG's Beat Vogeli, have been awarded a multi-year NSF Grant titled Structural characterization of the mechanism leading to recognition of Alu elements by the Z-RNA-binding domain of ADAR1. Preliminary
work supported in part by an RBI pilot grant (to QV) enabled the pair to shape one of their three specific aims around monitoring of differential editing and characterization of ADAR1 binding sites using next-generation sequencing. Congratulations
Quentin and Beat!
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Summer 2022
The highest of high fives to RBI's latest DOCTORS, Laura White, PhD (Hesselberth Lab), Sara Espinosa, PhD (Zhao Lab), and Rae Goering, PhD (Taliaferro Lab)! Each of them successfully defended their thesis in July/August and are moving on
to postdoctoral positions. Well done all!
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August 1, 2022
In order to enhance basic science, translational, and clinical studies on the CU Anschutz Campus, the RNA Bioscience Initiative (RBI) supports RNA biology research, particularly RNA-seq and other informatic intensive, cutting-edge technologies via its
Pilot Grant Program. Fall 2022 features long read RNA sequencing (Oxford Nanopore), ribosome profiling, mRNA packaging in lipid nanoparticles– applications
are invited for investigator-initiated pilot projects that will generate preliminary data to test the feasibility of novel avenues of research and will support future extramural grant applications. LOI due August 15; Applications due September 19.
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June 5, 2022
Many congratulations to Dr. Jillian Ramos (Kieft Lab) for receiving the Research Excellence by an Underrepresented Scientist award, and to poster winners Dr. Laura White (Hesselberth Lab), Dr. Allison Swain (Johnson Lab), and graduate student
Elizabeth Spear (Kieft Lab). Way to go all!
Read More about Dr. Ramos
View Photo of Poster Winners (scroll down to the bottom after opening link)
The RBI has made CU Anschutz a clear hub of RNA biology expertise, raising the status of the university and its researchers in the eyes of scientists at institutions around the country and the world. The RBI sets CU Anschutz up as a leader in the exciting and groundbreaking field of RNA biology.
.jpg?sfvrsn=60498fb9_4 "Amy Campbell, PhD")
Amy Campbell, PhD
RBI Co-Director, David Bentley, PhD, was interviewed by 9News reporter Anusha Roy and featured on Next with Kyle Clark. In this piece Dr. Bentley expertly describes the future of mRNA technology and its possible therapeutic uses beyond the COVID vaccine.
