The D2R Initiative leverages McGill’s decades-long expertise in DNA and RNA research to develop the next generation of RNA medicines.
McGill researchers have been uncovering the mechanisms and potential of RNA for over 50 years. From genomics and RNA biology to medicine and biomanufacturing, these research strengths cover the range of expertise needed to discover gene targets and develop new treatments for disease.
In this article, we review some of McGill’s recent contributions to RNA research, including the leaders in RNA research, priority disease areas, medicines of the future, supporting the biomanufacturing system and promoting health equity through innovation and collaboration.
RNA revolution
Together with world-leading capacities in genomic science, McGill’s researchers have been developing new RNA-based treatments for a range of diseases alongside a global community of scientists. The University is ensuring these therapies protect human health for all by engaging with diverse populations, including Indigenous communities and equity-deserving groups.
Learn more about this work at McGill, read:
- New McGill centre aims to further develop the potential of RNA therapeutics & biotechnological and diagnostic tools (January 2023)
- Developing new therapeutics based on RNA targeting and gene editing (November 2022)
- Using powerful computational methods to understand the role of RNA in human cancers (November 2022)
Leaders in RNA Research
In the social sciences, McGill researchers have been working to ensure that developments in RNA medicine benefit all communities, including equity-deserving groups and medically underserved.
Learn more about this work at McGill, read:
- Time to Care: Health Equity Must be a Research Priority (February 2023)
- Manufacturing biomaterials to enable research (November 2022)
- A conversation with McGill’s ‘guru’ of mRNA (October 2022)
Priority Disease Areas
RNA-based medicines can treat a wide spectrum of diseases — from emerging viruses that threaten society with pandemics to high-burden diseases like cancer, and rare genetic disorders that are incurable or prohibitively expensive to treat.
Learn more about this work at McGill, read:
- From AIDS to COVID-19: The promise of RNA therapeutics (November 2022)
- How RNA research could provide valuable insights into rare inherited tumours (October 2022)
- New study: Montreal researchers identify three drugs that could reduce mortality in severely ill COVID-19 patients (June 2022)
- Similar to editing a film, mRNA splicing allows cancer cells to change the narrative (June 2021)
Medicines of the Future
The global pandemic introduced the world to a new form of vaccines composed of “messenger RNA” (mRNA) which harness the flow of genetic information (RNA or DNA) to treat the root cause of disease. The success of the mRNA vaccines, and the speed of their development, is one example how RNA discovery can revolutionize medicine.
At McGill, diverse research teams have been working to understand the role of RNA across different fields, including biology, chemistry, and biomedical sciences.
Learn more about this work at McGill, read:
- You know DNA. Meet an Even More Interesting Molecule (December 2017)
- Prof. Nahum Sonenberg's Legacy: Scientific contribution to mRNA biology
- The dazzling potential of RNA therapies (May 2022)
Supporting Canada’s Biomanufacturing Ecosystem
Revitalizing Canada’s biopharmaceutical industry is an urgent priority. Together with industry and government, McGill is working to build a nexus of RNA-based drug manufacturing in Canada.
Learn more about this work at McGill, watch:
- Video: Building Canada’s Biomanufacturing capacity (January 2023).
Promoting Health Equity Through Innovation and Collaboration
With the promise of new therapies comes the responsibility to achieve diverse representation in research and equitable access to the fruits of that research. McGill is committed to meaningful engagement, improved transparency, and robust systems of accountability. Our priority is to create opportunities that promote and support equity-deserving populations, including Canada’s Indigenous communities.
Learn more about this work at McGill, watch and read,
- Video: How mRNA vaccines might change the course of the medical history (June 2022)
- $1.3 million to understand and alleviate impacts of the pandemic on children, youth, and families (December 2021)
- McGill University receives Network Environment for Indigenous Health Research (NEIHR) Award (April 2020)
McGill's RNA research not only informs the path towards innovative treatments but also solidifies the foundation for future initiatives, like D2R. Together, these advancements paint a promising picture of a future where cutting-edge research transforms lives and brings us closer to a world of improved health and well-being.
