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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.
RNA in the News
Primordial Life Possibly Based on RNA-Protein Mix
June 2022
A recent study published in Nature provides evidence that RNA and peptides co-evolved supporting the idea that primordial life originated without DNA. In the laboratory, researchers from Germany demonstrate that synthetic RNAs, generated using rare nucleosides, can bind amino acids and form short peptides (~ 15 amino acids long). This discovery lays the groundwork for an RNA-protein world.
Building Blocks of Nucleic Acids Found in Meteorites
June 2022
Researchers at Hokkaido University in Sapporo, Japan have collaborated with astrochemists at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center to detect and measure the presence of nucleobases in meteorites. Previous studies have demonstrated that meteorites can contain bio-sugars including ribose, as well as nucleobases adenine, guanine, and uracil. Using new, more sensitive extraction techniques the current study, published in Nature Communications, additionally demonstrates the presence of cytosine and thymine, possibly indicating that the molecular ingredients necessary for life may be extraterrestrial in origin.RBI Spotlight
Public Outreach and Promotion of Scientific Literacy Essential to the RBI Mission
April 25, 2022
We encourage you to watch the latest video from the RNA Bioscience Initiative. In this video RBI co-founder and co-director, Dr. David Bentley, deftly explains the nature of RNA in simple, accessible terms. Please share this video with friends and family
and help us expand understanding of RNA and RNA research to a broader audience.
Watch Now
RBI Featured in CU Medicine Today Magazine
April 15, 2022
Read about the many ways the RNA Bioscience Initiative at CU Anschutz is transforming our campus. Learn how RBI researchers Olivia Rissland, DPhil, and Suja Jagannathan, PhD, are pushing the boundaries of RNA Biology.
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Spatial Transcriptomics Pilot Grant Winners Announced
April 14, 2022
The latest round of RBI Pilot Grant awardees have been selected. Each project seeks to expand their understanding of complex transcriptional landscapes within a spatial context, using cutting-edge molecular profiling methods to measure all the
gene activity in a tissue sample and map where the activity is occurring. Such experiments are essential for the understanding the biology of health vs. disease. Congratulations to Santos Franco, PhD (Pediatrics- Developmental Biology) and
Katharina Hopp (Medicine- Renal Diseases and Hypertension)!
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RBI's Olivia Rissland Promoted to Associate Professor with Tenure
April 13, 2022
Many congratulations to Olivia for reaching this milestone! Find out more about the Rissland lab and their cutting-edge investigation of RNA stability and translation.
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RBI's Dr. Michael Cortazar Osorio Awarded Postdoc of the Month by the CU Postdoctoral Association
March 25, 2022
Many congratulations to Michael, a 2017-2018 RBI RNA Scholar and Bentley Lab graduate! Currently a member of the Jagannathan Lab, this award recognizes Cortazar Osorio's work on RNA decay and its role in disease.
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March Madness RNA Style – Three RBI Students Earn Their PhDs in RNA-Biology
March 18, 2022
Congratulations to RBI's newest doctors, Claire Gillette, PhD, Kimberley Wellman, PhD, and Justin Roberts, PhD! Each of them successfully defended their thesis in March and are moving on to new postdoctoral positions. Well done all!
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On Tap
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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 Discusses the Future of mRNA Technology on 9News
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.