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Report on RNA research calls for European network
Source: Press release
A new report from the European Science Foundation (ESF) has called for the creation of an EU-wide network of RNA research laboratories to maximise progress towards new therapeutics.
ESF is an independent NGO that promotes collaborative research. Their new report RNA World: a new frontier in biomedical research features the increasing realisation of the pivotal role RNA plays in the regulation of gene expression via RNA interference (RNAi).
The report proposes a ‘virtual institute’ of linked, locally-funded multidisciplinary RNA research centres across Europe. It also sets out a 5-10 year vision of the field of RNA research in general and clinical applications, and identified priority areas for research, including studies of RNA transport, structure, splicing and interactions with proteins; epigenetics; development of bioinformatics capacity; creation of an RNA expression atlas; the role of RNA in bacterial infections; and development and delivery of RNA therapeutics.
Whilst it may seem unhelpful to call for moves to be funded by individual countries and centres at a time when most budgets are under pressure, the ESF report is right to highlight the likely importance of RNA in genomic medicine of the future.