Since 2009, the Center for RNA Molecular Biology has provided a space for researchers across Penn State to gather to share ideas, develop skills and foster collaboration. What started as a joint lab meeting in 1998 has since grown into a center that is composed of a diverse group of faculty, graduate students and postdocs from departments including biochemistry and molecular biology, chemistry, biology and chemical engineering.
RNA, or ribonucleic acid, is a single-strand, essential molecule for most biological functions. Like DNA, RNA can carry genetic information, but it can also act like an enzyme, initiating or speeding up chemical reactions. RNA technologies have many implications for disease and therapeutics, such as vaccines.
The center is co-led by center directors from the Eberly College of Science - Paul Babitzke, Don Bryant Chair in Microbial Physiology, and Philip Bevilacqua, distinguished professor of chemistry and of biochemistry and molecular biology - and recently hosted the third annual Center for RNA Molecular Biology Symposium. During the symposium, invited speakers, students and postdocs shared their research via presentations and a poster session.
In this Q&A, Babitzke and Bevilacqua shared the importance of the symposium and the history of the center.
Q: Can you tell me about the Center for RNA Molecular Biology Symposium?
Babitzke: The symposium provides an opportunity to connect people within Penn State, at different institutions, and beyond. This year, we had over 60 attendees with invited speakers and trainees across various labs associated with the center presenting. We usually end up with representation from the Eberly College of Science, College of Agricultural Sciences, College of Engineering, College of Health and Human Development, and the College of Medicine. We also have undergraduate and graduate students and postdocs in attendance; every level is represented. Getting everyone together is a great way to invigorate people, and I think we've been successful in doing that.
Bevilacqua: We place a deliberate emphasis on connecting with local universities and try to bring in at least one speaker from further away in addition to our local and regional attendees. For example, Ohio State, the University of Maryland, the National Institutes of Health and the University of Pittsburgh Johnstown have sent people. The symposium is our chance to connect within our University, with colleagues regionally, and broadly within the United States and internationally.
Q: Can you share the origins of the center?
Babitzke: The center was formally established in the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences in 2009, but it really goes back to around 1998, soon after Phil arrived at Penn State. We started with monthly meetings that we called RNA club, and eventually we were approached by our department head at the time to formalize the center. This was right as centers were really starting to emerge at Penn State and there were only two or three centers at the time, so we were an early center.
Bevilacqua: Now there are many centers at Penn State. One thing Paul and I always like to emphasize is that the Center for RNA Molecular Biology was built through a shared interest in RNA, and we've built the center through an organic, bottom-up process. We share our enthusiasm about the RNA field, and others have naturally gravitated to it. It's been a genuine grassroots type of movement. I would also thank the RNA Society and their RNA Salon initiative for supporting the Center for RNA Molecular Biology through student memberships, travel awards, and support for our symposium.
Q: What type of opportunities does the center offer beyond the symposium?
Babitzke: The whole center really started because we had a few labs interested in RNA biology or chemistry. It was a way for us to share methods across labs. Each lab would disseminate techniques, and we'd incorporate them into our own work. That, combined with generating collaborative studies, has been the core opportunity offered by the center from my perspective. It's been genuinely valuable for the science.
Bevilacqua: By sharing our excitement about the field, we've attracted those who were already here and others who have naturally gravitated toward it. Some labs have picked up RNA projects and reached out to us for training, or younger faculty have joined with existing RNA interests. Within the center, we have a community that's willing and interested in sharing techniques and collaborating.
Q: What are some of the research highlights that have come from the center?
Bevilacqua: I've got three examples. Previously, from Paul's lab, they've focused on the regulation of gene expression by RNA structure and RNA-binding proteins. Secondly, I have collaborated previously with Sally Assmann on developing methods for probing RNA structure with chemicals in living cells and genome wide. Thirdly, Joseph Cotruvo, whose group came to us without much RNA experience, gained the necessary skills and has developed RNA-based sensors for rare earth elements.
Babitzke: To me, the most important thing science does is generate fundamental knowledge. The vast majority of researchers are generating new information, and people interested in applied work can then take that and build on it. Through this new information, the center is able to contribute to society more broadly.
Bevilacqua: So, I would say we haven't just been following trends - we've helped make them.
