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What is RNA?



           RNA derives from DNA. It regulates DNA and other RNAs,

           builds proteins, comprises cellular structures, and even has
           catalytic activity—all of which do critical jobs in the body’s
           10 trillion cells.

           When one form of RNA—messenger RNA—gets damaged, it
           can lead to the creation of defective proteins. These proteins act
           as a wrench in our biological machinery, causing diseases such
           as cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy, and cancer.

           Because of RNA’s central role in communicating instructions
           from our DNA, RNA biology holds incredible potential for
           improving treatments, curing diseases, and saving lives.








           Help Us Move RNA Research Forward





           Every gift we receive—large or small—is              ENDOWED TRAINING PROGRAM IN RNA
                                                                BIOLOGY—$1,500,000
           appreciated and will make an impact. We
           welcome support for unrestricted funds,              An important part of our mission is the training of

           which give our leadership the flexibility            Ph.D. students and postdoctoral fellows. These trainees
           to address specific priorities and take              will constitute the next generation of leaders in RNA
           advantage of unexpected opportunities.               biology. An endowed program would provide support in
           The following is a sampling of how your              perpetuity for training, enabling us to expand our number
           gift can help.                                       of trainees.


                                                                EQUIPMENT—$5,000 to $100,000
           DISTINGUISHED PROFESSORSHIP OF RNA
           BIOLOGY—$2,000,000
                                                                The Center for RNA Biology provides state-of-the-art
           The appointment to a named distinguished professorship   equipment for use by its faculty members. Funding for
           is one of the most prestigious achievements for a member   additional equipment would enable the exploration of new
           of the faculty and for the Medical Center. Professorships   lines of inquiry, helping to accelerate the pace of discovery.
           honor acclaimed leaders who perform groundbreaking
           research, mentor Ph.D. candidates and junior faculty, and   ADDITIONAL AREAS OF NEED IN RNA
                                                                BIOLOGY—$10,000 to $50,000
           attract medical students and residents. A professorship
           would also help us to expand our program by recruiting   Unrestricted gifts allow the Center for RNA Biology to
           or retaining a leading researcher in RNA biology and   take advantage of new and promising opportunities by
           supporting that scholar’s work.                      supporting pilot studies based on recently discovered data.
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