RNA Biology and Technology

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

This class examines the roles of RNA, coding and in particular non-coding (ncRNA), in the regulation of gene expression, host-pathogen interaction, and catalysis as well as their applications in research, diagnosis, and therapy of human diseases. The topics cover the 'RNA world hypothesis', the relation between structure and function of RNA, the mechanisms of regulation and dysregulation of gene expression by ncRNAs, selection and design of functional RNAs, feature and usage of ncRNAs, the role of RNA in early-stage pharmaceutical developments, and RNA-based drug development.