Phillip Sharp: From RNA Splicing Discovery to RNA-Based Therapeutics
By
Lasker Admin
Summary
This article profiles Nobel laureate Phillip Sharp, chronicling his pioneering work in RNA splicing discovery and his transition from basic molecular biology research to founding biotech companies like Biogen and Alnylam. It covers his early career challenges studying complex human cells when bacteria were the preferred model, his landmark discovery of RNA splicing (split genes) in 1977, and his subsequent efforts to translate these fundamental insights into RNA-based therapeutics. The article highlights Sharp's role in advancing RNA interference (RNAi) technology and his perspective on the future of RNA medicines, including the potential of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) to treat diseases by silencing disease-causing genes.
Source
bskyPhillip Sharp: From RNA Splicing Discovery to RNA-Based Therapeuticsow.lyKey quotes
· 5 pulledThere was a lot of resistance to the idea of beginning to probe the molecular biology of complex human cells.
The discovery of RNA splicing was a complete surprise. It fundamentally changed our understanding of how genes work.
We realized that if we could understand the basic mechanisms of RNA processing, we could potentially develop entirely new classes of medicines.
RNA interference is one of the most exciting areas in biology today. It gives us the ability to silence any gene in the genome.
The journey from basic discovery to therapeutic application takes decades, but the potential to help patients makes it all worthwhile.
You might also wanna read
Qt45: A small polymerase ribozyme that can synthesize itself
New CRISPR Technique Selectively Destroys Cancer Cells with Common Mutation
Researchers at UC Berkeley, UCSF, and Gladstone Institutes have developed a novel CRISPR-based technique called "RNA-Triggered Chromatin Shr
innovativegenomics.org·8d ago
BlankBio: RNA Foundation Models for Therapeutic mRNA Design
BlankBio is a Y Combinator-backed startup developing RNA foundation models to create computational tools for therapeutic design. The company
news.ycombinator.com·10mo ago
James D. Watson, Nobel Laureate Who Co-Discovered DNA Structure, Dies at 97
James D. Watson, the Nobel Prize-winning scientist who co-discovered the structure of DNA with Francis Crick, has died at age 97. The articl
nytimes.com·7mo ago
DARPA's Generative Optogenetics Program Aims to Revolutionize DNA/RNA Synthesis Using Light
DARPA's Generative Optogenetics (GO) program aims to revolutionize DNA and RNA synthesis by using light to direct their creation directly wi
darpa.mil·6mo ago