RNAs serve as regulators of all aspects of biology: modulating chromatin structure, promoting and repressing transcription, regulating the rates of mRNA translation and degradation, controlling protein trafficking, and defending against viruses and selfish genetic elements. Recent work has revealed key insights into the mechanisms by which RNAs fulfill these regulatory roles. To fully understand the fundamental principles of RNA biology, we must move from thinking about RNAs by class or size (e.g., small RNAs or long RNAs) and towards an integrated perspective about shared aspects of RNAs as critical regulators of cell biology across all life forms (including viruses, prokaryotes, and higher eukaryotes). Briefly, the specific aims of this meeting are to:

(1) Gather the larger regulatory RNA community – specifically scientists who may not otherwise attend the same meetings;

(2) Identify synergies and the potential for novel collaborative approaches based on shared mechanistic ideas across broad fields;

(3) Assimilate fields that have been evolving on parallel tracks to integrate ideas and advance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying RNAs as regulatory molecules.

This meeting will aim to highlight how advances in RNA mechanisms are being leveraged to develop distinct classes of RNA-based therapeutics. This meeting will be held jointly with the RNA Modification Keystone Symposium, which will be highly synergistic given that modifications of RNA diversify and control regulatory RNA functions.