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Course Fee

$2150.00 Regular Registration

$1950.00 Early Bird Pricing (Register 30 Days in Advance)

Course Description

RNA (ribonucleic acid) is a key intermediary molecule in the flow of genetic information from genes to their manifestation as functional proteins. The many other known functions of RNA in the cell support the widely acclaimed “RNA world hypothesis” in which RNA, and not DNA or protein, was the primary primordial information molecule. From the perspective of the RNA practitioner, its labile nature mandates great precision during recovery from cells and tissues and in all downstream methods used for RNA analysis. 


Perhaps the most significant recent advancement in the RNA world has been the successful production of mRNA vaccines to combat a worldwide pandemic. The speed and entrepreneurial manner in which these important pharmaceuticals became available has demonstrated clearly and without question that this is the advent of the RNA vaccine. The success, effectiveness, and the economics behind the production of these vaccines portend the development of many more types of RNA vaccines in the near future. 



This course, intended for the non-specialist, will focus on selected methods for working with RNA in both basic and applied research settings. This includes commonly used applications in university research labs as well as contemporary uses for RNA within the biotech and pharmaceutical industries. Examples of modern-day RNA-associated molecular biology innovations and success stories will be highlighted.  At the end of this course, the participant will be conversant with respect to standard terminology and methods used in the field and will have an appreciation for the opportunities that exist within this discipline.

Who Should Attend

This is a 15-hour course for those interested in learning both fundamental and advanced RNA-based molecular biology techniques. RNA quantification is a well-established parameter of gene expression and, more recently, the basis of novel vaccines, biomarkers, and other potential molecular therapeutics.  This course is intended for personnel with some scientific background who are seeking to learn much more about the methods used for RNA isolation, storage, measurement, quality control, and a variety of different laboratory methods for identification of up- and down-regulated genes. Information about both contemporary and historically important methods is presented, as well as information about specific applications. This informative course is ideal for those who wish to become conversant in the discipline. The course is also attractive to personnel directly or tangentially participating in molecular biology-related and biotechnological research, supervision, technical operations, or basic/applied research.

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  • Learning Objectives

    • Articulate the various types of RNA found in the cell and the role of each.
    • Become familiar with concepts pertaining to basic molecular biology principles and the flow of genetic information in the cell.
    • Understand how the isolation, handling, storage, and processing of RNA differs fundamentally compared to DNA methods.
    • Understand the techniques that are currently in use to identify and measure RNA activity in the cell.
    • Understand various contemporary areas of research and their applications, including RNA vaccines and other RNA therapeutic approaches.
    • Acquire the facility for communication with colleagues and associates in various areas of molecular biology.

  • Agenda

    Section 1 – RNA and the Cellular Biochemistry Revisit

    • Gene organization
    • Transcription
    • Noncoding and coding RNA

    Section 2 – The Ribonuclease Peril

    • Creating an RNase-free environment
    • Chemical and physical control of RNase

    Section 3 – Strategies for RNA Isolation

    • Lysis procedures for cell culture and tissue
    • Silica technology
    • Working with poly(A)+ RNA
    • Short- and long-term storage of RNA
    • RNA quality control procedures

    Section 4 – RT-PCR Strategies

    • Overview of PCR and RT-PCR
    • End-point and real-time PCR
    • Digital PCR
    • PCR carryover prevention

    Section 5 – Traditional Methods for RNA Characterization

    • Northern analysis
    • RNase protection assay
    • Nuclear run-on assay
    • RNA in situ hybridization

    Section 6 – Nucleic Acids as a Pharmaceuticals

    • RNA vaccines and therapeutics
    • RNA biobanking
    • RNA reprogramming
    • Trans-splicing: mRNA repair

    Section 7 – Function Genomic Strategies

    • RNA-seq
    • ChIP, CLIP, and RIP
    • RNA interference (RNAi)
    • Aptamer strategies
    • Array analysis of gene expression

    Section 8 – miRNA Profiling

    • miRNA structure, function, and biogenesis
    • Overlap with RNAi
    • miRNA as a key regulator of gene expression

    Section 9 – Strategies for RNA Biomarker Discovery

    • Biomarkers, symptoms, and signs
    • Traditional methods
    • Contemporary methods
    • Organ-on-a-chip devices

    Section 10 – Global Analysis of Gene Expression

    • Microarray technology and options
    • Suppression subtractive hybridization
    • RNA-seq revisited

    Section 11 – Resources for the RNA Enthusiast


Registrant Information:

Each person attending a course will be asked to set up an Attendee Profile Account during the registration process. Creating an Account helps you view your order history and manage your training programs. If you are registering for others, please set up an Account in the Attendee’s name. If you are registering more than one person, you’ll need to set up a separate account for each Attendee.

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