RNA Modifications: Bridging Biological Function and Therapeutic Potential

About This Grant

Abstract Support is requested for a Keystone Symposia conference entitled “RNA Modifications: Bridging Biological Function and Therapeutic Potential,” organized by Drs. Michaela Frye, Schraga Schwartz, Yunsun Nam and Eckhard Jankowsky, with scientific programming input from Keystone Symposia. The meeting will take place March 9–12, 2026 at Keystone Resort in Keystone, Colorado USA. The rapid growth in RNA modification research has shown that chemical modifications of nucleotides regulate RNA metabolism and influence cell functions. Moreover, the ability of single chemically modified nucleotides to change the electrostatic charge, base pairing and stability of RNA molecules can now be used in clinical applications. This includes creating stable artificial RNA transcripts, such as mRNA vaccines or synthetic small RNA molecules, to increase or decrease the expression of therapeutic proteins. However, our understanding of the human transcriptome remains incomplete because we lack full-length RNA sequences that include all their modifications. This knowledge is crucial, as RNA modifications regulate every stage of gene expression, and their pathways are frequently dysregulated across diverse cancer types. In 2022, the first RNA modification inhibitor entered phase I clinical trials for late-stage cancer patients (ClinicalTrials.gov; NCT05584111), highlighting the translational potential of this field. This Keystone Symposia conference will convene field-leading experts to discuss the multidisciplinary aspects of RNA modification research, providing attendees with a broad overview of state-of-the-art research that is not available in other meetings or workshops centered around RNA. The conference program has been designed to highlight groundbreaking research developments, discuss current challenges and focus on therapeutic opportunities. Importantly, this conference program will explore innovative strategies to target RNA modifications in human diseases like cancer, as well as neurological and metabolic disorders. Cutting-edge therapeutic approaches, with an emphasis on the integration of advanced technologies in cancer research, will be emphasized throughout this meeting. Dynamic scientific sessions coupled with informal networking events will encourage an open exchange of emerging research concepts and directions in the field of RNA modifications and foster new collaborations.