# FASEB's "The RNA Associated Mechanisms Conference: In Immunity and Disease"

> **NIH NIH R13** · FEDERATION OF AMER SOC FOR EXPER BIOLOGY · 2021 · $10,000

## Abstract

Project summary
Although only a small portion of the mammalian genome encodes protein coding messenger RNA, the
mechanism of regulation of mRNA has been the primary focus of interest for most biologists. However, it is
becoming increasingly evident that the majority of the mammalian genome that does not express mRNAs has
the potential to express non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). The functionality and mechanism(s) of regulation of these
ncRNAs are just beginning to be explored. Although we are now aware of some of the fundamental aspects of
long non-codingRNA (lncRNA) biogenesis, the physiological role of most lncRNAs remains a black box. Rapid
progress has been made in the understanding the various mechanisms that control immune system
development, but all questions have not been answered. Now, researchers are interested in understanding the
role of the noncoding genome (and ensuing lncRNA transcripts) in immune system development and various
immune system related patho-physiologies.
Indeed, if ncRNAs are robust drivers of the immune system development and function, the question arises how
are these ncRNAs regulated. A very recent set of discoveries has now demonstrated that mRNAs and lncRNAs
undergo various modifications (m6A, m5C, RNA editing, pseudouridylation, etc). These modifications have
dedicated writers and erasers. It is likely that some of these modifications control RNA function, akin to the
way phosphorylation and ubiquitination control protein function. The role of RNA modification in immune
system regulation is already supported by some very exciting evidence. For example, m6A RNA modification
has been shown to determine hematopoietic cell differentiation, T cell homeostasis and regulatory T cell (Treg)
function. The role of these RNA modifications--individually or in aggregate--in controlling the development of
the immune system during homeostasis or its response during infection demands a focused discussion.
Based on the two emerging and exciting topics mentioned above, e.g. noncoding RNA biology and
epitranscriptomics of the immune system, we have planned a FASEB scientific conference from July 12-17,
2020 at Malahide Grand Hotel, Dublin, Ireland. The major purposes of the meeting are: (a) To provide a
robust and unbiased scientific forum for the discussion of the current status of RNA biology research in the
context of the immune system, (b) To provide an opportunity for trainees (students and post-doctoral
researchers) to present their research and be introduced to career development opportunities and, (c) To
provide an environment conducive to the initiation of collaborative research.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9993686
- **Project number:** 1R13AI152386-01
- **Recipient organization:** FEDERATION OF AMER SOC FOR EXPER BIOLOGY
- **Principal Investigator:** Uttiya Basu
- **Activity code:** R13 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $10,000
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2021-05-01 → 2022-10-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9993686

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9993686, FASEB's "The RNA Associated Mechanisms Conference: In Immunity and Disease" (1R13AI152386-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9993686. Licensed CC0.

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