RNA Bioscience Initiative

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

RNA Sequencing Reveals Features Unique to the Human Brain

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.

RNA Viruses Important for Carbon Capture May Help in the Fight Against Climate Change

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.

Srinivas Ramachandran, PhD, Publishes Significant New Work in Science Advances

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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Quentin Vicens and Beat Vogeli Convert RBI Pilot Award into Million Dollar NSF Grant

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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RBI Labs Mint New Cohort of Amazing PhD Scientists

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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RBI Announces New Round of Interdisciplinary Pilot Grant Funding- Apply Now!

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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RBI Trainees Win Multiple Awards at 2022 RNA Society Meeting

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)

More Spotlight Features

On Tap

PostDoc Recruitment Seminar

Oct 7, 2022 | 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Steve Jang |PhD Graduate Student, Gonzalez Lab |Columbia University | “Characterizing the conformational free-energy landscape of RNA stem loops using single-molecule field effect transistors” | Host: Jeff Kieft

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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.

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.

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