Inaugural Schoenberg Lectureship Poster Presentations
RNA as messenger: Impact of basic science on human health innovations (Singh lab)
Messenger RNAs (mRNAs) are present in every cell of our body and serve as the go-between for information that is encoded in our blueprint (DNA) and in the cellular workhorses (proteins) that perform the many tasks essential for life. Decades of basic research on mRNA biology have paved the path for its successful use as a vaccine.
Splicing: critical for good movies and good health (Burghes and Singh labs)
In the final cut, unwanted parts of movies are edited out. Likewise, segments of new RNAs made within our cells are spliced together in order to make proteins in appropriate amounts. In diseases like Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), misfiring of the cellular “editing machine” leads to faulty RNAs and dysfunctional proteins. We have developed therapies for SMA that restore function of cellular editors to ensure correct splicing of RNAs.
Tiny worms, titanic influence: a simple animal leads to groundbreaking discoveries in RNA biology (Tang lab)
Biology is complex. Based on the premise that the biological processes supporting all life are shared, scientists often use simple organisms such as yeast, flies and worms as surrogates for complex organisms (e.g., humans). Two major discoveries, RNA interference and micro RNAs, made using the worm as a model have been transformative for fostering new approaches to unraveling mysteries in biology and designing new therapies.
Understanding and treating viral and neurological diseases through RNA-related discoveries (Musier-Forsyth lab)
Our research focuses on how viruses use host (e.g., human) RNAs to boost their growth, how viral RNAs switch between structures to promote their replication, and how defects caused by mutations in the human genome result in specific neurological diseases. We expect advances from our work to help treat diseases such as AIDS, COVID and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, Lou Gehrig’s disease).
Unconventional mRNA silencing in baker’s yeast: junk to gold? (Hopper lab)
RNA interference, a somewhat prevalent means to silence gene expression, is not present in baker’s yeast. We have discovered that gene silencing in this genetic model organism, often used as a proxy for complex living beings, entails use of RNAs that are often considered as junk because they are spliced out.
Role of RNAs in animal growth and development (Cole and Amacher labs)
RNAs play many important roles in animal growth and development. We spotlight three examples highlighting how fine-tuning the levels of specific RNAs is necessary for proper formation of the ribs and vertebrae, inactivation of X chromosomes in female cells, and neurodevelopment.
tRNA revolution: advances in tRNA-based therapies (Jackman lab)
Transfer RNAs (tRNAs) are intermediaries that are essential for synthesis of proteins in all living organisms. New therapies where a single tRNA can cure patients with different diseases are now being actively pursued. The use of tRNAs to treat rare and ultrarare conditions promises a new dawn for personalized medicines.
RNA-based cancer therapeutics (Chandler lab)
One of the many reasons for the uncontrolled growth of cancer cells is their ability to splice their RNAs differently. We have designed RNA-based therapies to restore the normal splicing and thereby apply the brakes to the growth and spread of cancer.
Ocean virology: using RNA to understand viruses in nature (Sullivan lab)
Oceans hold Viruses with Hidden Drivers of Life and Climate. By studying virus-infected ocean cells (“virocells”), scientists are uncovering how viruses shape microbial life and influence the ocean’s carbon cycle. Global RNA sequencing and AI tools have also revealed many new RNA virus groups, including one that may be a missing link in early evolution.
Past Schoenberg Lecture Events
2025 Schoenberg Lecture Poster Presentations - Dr. Craig Mello
2024 Schoenberg Lecture Poster Presentations - Dr. Adrian Krainer
2023 Schoenberg Lecture Poster Presentations - Dr. Melissa Moore