Recent evidence suggests that the human genome encodes ~1500 RNA binding proteins (RBPs) and this number may further increase by identifying additional RBPs that do not contain canonical RNA binding motifs. These proteins control gene expression at transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels in development and disease. As mutations in many RBPs have been linked to human diseases, various RBPs and their regulated events may be potential drug targets. The proposed meeting on RNA-protein interactions will address some long-standing problems as well as emerging paradigms. For example, as both nascent and regulatory RNAs are intimately associated with chromatin, understanding of genetic and epigenetic control of gene expression would be incomplete without understanding the regulatory roles of RNAs and RBPs involved. The goal of the proposed meeting is to bring together leaders in RNA research to (1) brainstorm on novel concepts, (2) share new technology development, and (3) explore new disease mechanisms. We anticipate the attendees of this meeting to take home fresh ideas and academic ties. The field will benefit from the presentation of leaders to consolidate the leading edges in RNA research. INNOVATION: The meeting will be highly mechanism-oriented, rather than centering on a specific biological process or disease theme, which will bring together scientist across multiple fields. This meeting will be coupled with another Keystone Symposia meeting on 'Long Non-Coding RNAs: From Molecular Mechanism to Functional Genetics', as individual regulatory RNAs must enlist specific RBPs to execute their biological functions. The intertwined sessions on these related topics will thus present a cohesive theme on RNA biology and medicine.