D2R | DNA to RNA

The fight against parasitic worms

Emily Cholette — Fri, 28 Mar 2025 13:49:56 +0000

Parasitic worms—creepy, crawly organisms that survive off nutrients from their hosts—might sound like the stuff of nightmares. But for Assistant Professor Lucienne Tritten at ɬ�﷬, these organisms represent an urgent challenge and an opportunity to push the boundaries of modern science. With funding from D2R Initiative’s Foundational Projects program, Prof. Tritten is developing an innovative approach to combating parasitic infections using the gut bacteria we already have inside us.

A growing community with a shared vision

Anthony Van Kessel — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 17:32:31 +0000

Earlier this month, over 150 researchers from across ɬ�﷬ and partner institutions came together at Le Centre Sheraton for the inaugural DNA to RNA (D2R) Research Symposium.

International Day of Women and Girls in Science

Mariloue Daudier — Tue, 11 Feb 2025 13:00:00 +0000

Today, we celebrate the incredible contributions of women and girls in science and reaffirm our commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable research environment. At D2R, we recognize that representation matters – and we are proud to support the talented women who are pushing the boundaries of RNA therapeutics.

In conversation with ethico-legal AI genomics expert Ma'n H. Zawati

emily.cholette2@mcgill.ca — Fri, 07 Feb 2025 14:00:00 +0000

We recently spoke with Ma'n H. Zawati, an Associate Professor at ɬ�﷬ and the Research Director of the Centre of Genomics and Policy. He shared insights on his D2R-funded research, discussing how AI can be used responsibly and ethically to identify genomic biomarkers. He also talked about the potential for personalized therapies and RNA research and the important ethical, legal and policy challenges that need to be addressed to ensure fair healthcare for everyone.

Internships in industry: A key success factor for the pandemic preparedness strategy

Jessica Troughton — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 19:38:44 +0000

Professor Amine Kamen, from the Department of Bioengineering at ɬ�﷬, recently shared with us the importance of enhancing Canada’s biomanufacturing sector, especially regarding pandemic preparedness. He highlighted the value of having highly qualified personnel in biomanufacturing, which can be achieved through internships that combine theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience.

Letter from Philippe Gros, Chief Scientific Officer, D2R Initiative

Philippe Gros — Mon, 21 Oct 2024 19:05:10 +0000

Dear D2R Community,

I am deeply honored to step into the role of Chief Scientific Officer for the DNA to RNA (D2R) Initiative, and I want to take this opportunity to share my vision for the future as we embark on this exciting journey together.

Defining Genetic Discrimination: Toward Equity in Healthcare and Research

Emily Cholette — Tue, 25 Jun 2024 20:03:15 +0000

We had a chance to sit down with Yann Joly, James ɬ�﷬ Professor in the department of Human Genetics and a member of D2R’s Partner and Community Engagement Committee [1] to discuss his report titled “A proposal for an inclusive working definition of genetic discrimination to promote a more coherent debate” recently published in Nature Genetics. He shared insights into the proposed definition of genetic discrimination, its impact on healthcare, and recommendations for its consideration in research, particularly within D2R.

Honoring the Legacy of Jerry Pelletier: A Symposium on RNA Therapeutics

Emily Cholette — Mon, 13 May 2024 17:44:08 +0000

On May 3rd, 2024, more than 200 professors, trainees, former colleagues, mentors, friends and family gathered from near and afar to commemorate the legacy of Professor Jerry Pelletier, a scientist whose outstanding contributions to the field of RNA biology, therapeutics, and cancer research continue to inspire. Pelletier’s profound impact on those who had the privilege of knowing him was evident throughout the event, as speakers and colleagues shared anecdotes and insights into his life and work.

Insights from the Tokyo Symposium: Bridging Science and Collaboration

Emily Cholette — Thu, 09 May 2024 14:18:17 +0000

“If you have an apple and I have an apple and we exchange these apples then you and I will still each have one apple. But if you have an idea and I have an idea and we exchange these ideas, then each of us will have two ideas.” George Bernard Shaw (Irish playwright)

NanoCore, Unlocking the Power of Nanomedicine

Emily Cholette — Thu, 09 May 2024 14:03:20 +0000

Imagine a scenario where a child is unable to produce a vital protein in the liver, threatening their life within a year. Now imagine that through utilizing genomic technologies, researchers can quickly identify the deficient protein, synthesize messenger RNA (mRNA) within months, and encapsulate it into nanoparticles within a day. The result? A customized life-saving medicine tailored to the child's specific needs. This groundbreaking application shows the transformative potential of nanomedicines.