Page 3 - RNA Biology | University of Rochester Medical Center

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.