Riboregulatory Structure and Function in mRNA

Alisha Jones — alisha.jones@nyu.edu

Saurja DasGupta — sdasgupta@nd.edu

Meeting overview: Although messenger RNA molecules encode the sequences of our proteins, they are not featureless informational tapes. Indeed, they contain RNA regions that adopt elaborate 3-D structures, which are necessary for a given mRNA to carry out its specific function in the cell. These “road signs” along the path of the mRNA control everything from the initiation and rate of protein synthesis to the recruitment of specialized enzymes that place chemical modifications on RNA. For example, the flanking untranslated regions (UTRs) at the termini of mRNA molecules are essential regulators of biological processes critical to human life. Variations in UTR sequences and structures are linked to the pathology of numerous disease phenotypes, including viral RNA infections and chronic inflammatory disorders. UTRs and other riboregulatory regions of mRNA perform essential regulatory roles by folding into complex three-dimensional structures that act as signals and as platforms for recruiting RNA-binding proteins and other trans-acting factors. These interactions modulate gene expression by influencing translation efficiency, mRNA stability, and localization, ultimately shaping cellular responses and disease progression. The technology for discovering and characterizing riboregulatory motifs in RNA is just emerging and our understanding of the link between structure and function of these elements remains extremely limited. These challenges restrict our mechanistic understanding of riboregulation and prevent meaningful pharmacological modulation. During this meeting, we will bring together RNA scientists who specialize in mRNA or viral RNA mechanistic function, including experimentalists who specialize in the action of flanking untranslated regions, substructures within mRNA coding regions, and the action of RNA modifying enzymes. We will include experts in structural biology, RNA computational and informatic analysis, biochemists, geneticists and investigators developing new therapies, including RNA targeted drugs and therapeutic mRNAs.

We wish to ensure an intimate workshop setting, with no more than 20 to 25 participants. If you are interested in attending but have not received an invitation, please contact the workshop organizer before registering.

Sessions typically run mornings and late afternoons, leaving mid-day free for informal collaboration.

Travel to Telluride can be expensive; please assess your own potential travel costs before registering.

Please book your travel plans! The Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) is the most reliable and convenient airport for Telluride.

Telluride Science can provide lodging starting as low as $215/night during off-peak weeks and as low as $250/night during peak-season at the Mountainside Inn. These affordable lodging options are limited and available first-come, first-serve. To encourage participants to secure affordable lodging, we offer a $100 discount on lodging provided through Telluride Science that is secured before the Early Bird deadline. Additionally, we work with many lodging providers in Telluride and Mountain Village to offer discounts between 10-15% off your total lodging balance. Additional information provided with registration.

If you have more questions about lodging, reach out to Sara at sara@telluridescience.org.

Registrations may be refunded less a $25 cancellation fee. If cancelled before the lodging cancellation deadline, lodging payments are refundable less a $100 cancellation fee. It is each participant's responsibility to confirm and understand their own lodging cancellation deadline. Travel insurance is highly recommended.