Processing and translating RNA in health and disease
The field of RNA biology has yielded some of the most widely popularized scientific findings in the last two decades. Not only are many researchers using siRNAs and CRISPR on a daily basis, but we wonder how we ever could have not known about their existence. Yet, these are only the tip of the iceberg of exciting RNA-dependent regulation in biology that will be addressed in depth in this session.
Tracing the life of an RNA, including how it is transcribed, processed and spliced in the nucleus in association with chromatin is one focus. A second topic will be around translation into protein, with a particular focus on the underlying molecular mechanisms, ribosome specialization and gene-specific effects. Finally, several talks will discuss how these RNA regulatory mechanisms are dysregulated in neurodegenerative diseases and cancer.
Submit an abstract
Abstract submission begins Sept. 14. If you submit by Oct. 12, you'll get a decision by Nov. 1. The regular submission deadline is Nov. 30. See the categories.
These studies, presented by leading experts in RNA biology, will provide not just a global overview of an increasingly important field, with enormous potential for future discoveries, but also explain why RNA is considered one of the most promising drug targets and platforms. If you want to be ready for the next CRISPR, you will attend this session.
Keywords: Ribosomes, translation, RNA processing, RNA and disease, splicing, chromatin, CRISPR and immunity.
Who should attend: Students and postdocs who want to hear about one of the most rapidly expanding fields in biology, educators who want to make sure what they are teaching is current and curious people who want to know what all the hype is about. And, of course, RNA junkies who can’t get enough.
Theme song: “Friend Like Me” from “Aladdin,” because RNA can do it all.
This session is powered by ATP and other ribonucleotides.
RNA biology
RNA biogenesis and processing
Chair: Olga Anczukow
Tracy L. Johnson, University of California, Los Angeles
Hiten D. Madhani, University of California, San Francisco
Jeremy E. Wilusz, Baylor College of Medicine
Joshua T. Mendell, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Ribosomes and translation
Chair: Katrin Karbstein
Shu-ou Shan, California Institute of Technology
Ruben L. Gonzalez, Columbia University
Homa Ghalei, Emory University
Amy S.Y. Lee, Dana–Farber Cancer Institute; Harvard Medical School
RNA and disease
Chair: Jeremy E. Wilusz
Blake Wiedenheft, Montana State University
Shuying Sun, Johns Hopkins University
Olga Anczukow, Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine
Katrin Karbstein, UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology
Enjoy reading ASBMB Today?
Become a member to receive the print edition four times a year and the digital edition weekly.
Learn moreGet the latest from ASBMB Today
Enter your email address, and we’ll send you a weekly email with recent articles, interviews and more.
Latest in Science
Science highlights or most popular articles
Beneficial gut microbe has surprising metabolic capabilities
WashU researchers’ mouse study of therapeutic food for malnourished children shows a new gut bacterial enzyme's wide-ranging functions.
Transforming learning through innovation and collaboration
Neena Grover will receive the William C. Rose Award for Exemplary Contributions to Education at the 2025 ASBMB Annual Meeting, April 12–15 in Chicago.
From the journals: JBC
Prefoldins participate in parasite pathology. Protein modifications coordinate in DNA repair. Nucleotide analog blocks viral RNA polymerases. Read about recent papers in the JBC on these topics.
Guiding grocery carts to shape healthy habits
Robert “Nate” Helsley will receive the Walter A. Shaw Young Investigator in Lipid Research Award at the 2025 ASBMB Annual Meeting, April 12–15 in Chicago.
Quantifying how proteins in microbe and host interact
“To develop better vaccines, we need new methods and a better understanding of the antibody responses that develop in immune individuals,” author Johan Malmström said.
Leading the charge for gender equity
Nicole Woitowich will receive the ASBMB Emerging Leadership Award at the 2025 ASBMB Annual meeting, April 12–15 in Chicago.