RNA is responsible for carrying out a wide variety of essential tasks in the cell. Messenger RNAs encode information for producing proteins, while a host of non-coding RNAs (e.g. small RNAs such as miRNAs and piRNAs, as well as long non-coding RNAs) are responsible for regulating genes and maintaining genome integrity. Production of each type of RNA involves specific pathways with extensive processing, such as splicing, cleavage and nucleotide modifications.

At IMB, we study the biology of RNAs, from how they are produced and processed to which proteins they interact with, in order to better understand their role in development, reproduction and disease. IMB has held several workshops on RNA-related themes, and groups that focus on RNA biology hold regular journal clubs on topics of interest (e.g. the R-loop club).

Examples of research topics in RNA biology at IMB include:

• Regulation of RNA splicing
• RNA-protein interactions
• Small RNA biology
• Interaction between phase separation and ribonucleoprotein complexes
• RNA modifications
• R-loops