RNA Biology and Therapeutic Development

The RTI is a thrilling environment for studying the biology and therapeutic applications of RNA. From Paul Zamecnik’s pioneering work on the antisense approach in the 1970s and 1980s (the Worcester Foundation later merged with UMass Chan) to the discovery of RNA interference, the foundations of our field have deep roots in this institution that continue to bear fruit in many ways. We are involved in collaborations with many of our colleagues. The chemistry-biology conversation goes both ways – we develop tools for further study of RNA biology, and we build on the insights of RNA biology to design better therapeutic agents and research tools.

In terms of facilities for our biological studies, we have our own tissue culture facility and regularly make use of the UMass Chan research cores and other shared equipment for additional experiments from cell sorting to pharmacology and imaging.