Charting a Future for Sequencing RNA and Its Modifications: A 15-Year Roadmap Initiative
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine have released a groundbreaking report proposing a 15-year initiative to sequence all RNA molecules, including their modifications, from any biological system. This initiative, co-chaired by Brenda Bass, professor of biochemistry at the University of Utah, aims to advance technology, centralize data resources, expand research, develop standards, and cultivate a skilled workforce in the field.
According to Bass, this initiative has the potential to unlock a huge section of the bioeconomy and benefit various sectors such as health, medicine, agriculture, energy, commerce, defense, and national security. The Human Genome Project sequenced thousands of genes, but this new initiative will focus on examining the hundreds of millions of modified coding and noncoding RNA transcripts that make up the epitranscriptome.
The report calls for increased funding from federal agencies to finance the initiative, but the recent marginal increase in the NIH budget has been deemed damaging to the U.S. research enterprise. Susan Baserga, a professor at Yale University and chair of the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Women in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Committee, emphasized the importance of understanding how RNA modifications influence gene expression and RNA function.
Despite recent advances in RNA research, much is still unknown about how RNA modifications impact RNA molecules. The biggest challenge identified in the report is the lack of technology to sequence RNA end-to-end with all its modifications. The authors proposed prioritizing research on new tools and technologies to catalogue the epitranscriptome.
Additionally, the report highlighted the need for equitable data management, storage, and sharing, suggesting the establishment of a centrally managed database for RNAs and their modifications. Standardizing databases, data exchange, and nomenclature describing RNA was also recommended.
Expanding the biomedical workforce through educational and training materials to promote scientific interest in RNA modifications was identified as a crucial step in realizing the potential of this initiative. Creating RNA modification profiles for diseases could lead to personalized and targeted treatments, transforming various sectors beyond health and medicine.
Overall, this initiative holds immense promise for advancing RNA science and biotechnology, with the potential to revolutionize various industries and sectors.
