PhD course: RNA biology and therapeutics

This course is free of charge for PhD students at Danish universities (except Copenhagen Business School), and for PhD Students from NorDoc member universities. All other participants must pay the course fee.

Anyone can apply for the course, but if you are not a PhD student at a Danish university, you will be placed on the waiting list until enrollment deadline. This also applies to PhD students from NorDoc member universities. After the enrollment deadline, available seats will be allocated to applicants on the waiting list.


Learning objectives

A student who has met the objectives of the course will be able to:

1. Describe RNA biotypes, RNA modifications and their impact on RNA function and disease progression.

2. Understand state-of-the-art technologies to detect and quantify RNA molecules and modifications.

3. Understand RNA targeting strategies using approaches such as RNA interference (RNAi), CRISPR-Cas9, and small molecule libraries.


Content

The advancements in next-generation sequencing have unveiled novel classes of RNAs and their roles in development and diseases. The recent progress in RNA-based pharmaceuticals has given rise to the field of RNA therapeutics. This course is designed to equip students with a a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles and methodologies crucial for devising effective RNA targeting strategies across various disease contexts. By combining theoretical knowledge with practical research applications, students will acquire the skills needed to conceptualize RNA-based approaches for therapeutic interventions. The course will provide a comprehensive overview of RNA molecules, modifications, and their potential implications in disease and diagnostics. It will describe state-of-the-art technology in the analysis and quantification of RNA. It will also provide real-life examples of RNA targeting strategies and their application in human disease. The course aims to encourage students to think creatively and promote innovation in the field of RNA targeting strategies, providing them with the necessary tools to develop novel approaches.


Participants

This course is designed for PhD students with a background in molecular biology, genetics, or related disciplines. It is particularly relevant to those interested in RNA molecular biology, RNA-based therapeutics, drug discovery, and precision medicine.


Relevance to graduate programmes

The course is relevant to PhD students from the following graduate programmes at the Graduate School of Health and Medical Sciences, UCPH:

All graduate programmes


Language

English


Form

The course will consist of a combination of lectures, case studies and interactive discussions. Students will be encouraged to actively participate in scenario-based learning activities, where they will apply the concepts learned to solve real-world problems related to RNA targeting. There will be an assignment to be completed and presented during the week.


Course director

Luis Arnes, Associate Professor, luis.arnes@bric.ku.dk

Anders Lund. Professor. anders.lund@bric.ku.dk


Co-organizers:

Ulku Uzun, Postdoc, University of Copenhagen

Martin Jansson, Associate Professor, University of Copenhagen


Teachers

Marta Montes, Assistant Professor, CIMA, Spain

Luisa Escobar Hoyos, Assistant Professor, Yale, USA

Jeppe Vinther, Associate Professor, University of Copenhagen

Meeli Mullari, Assistant Professor, University of Copenhagen

Cristian Bellodi, Associate Professor, Lund University

Luis Arnes, Associate Professor, University of Copenhagen

Ulku Uzun, Postdoc, University of Copenhagen

Martin Jansson, Associate Professor, University of Copenhagen

Anders Lund, Professor, University of Copenhagen


Dates

29 April 2024 - 3 May 2024


Course location

15th floor Maersk Tower


Registration

Please register here. Deadline 1 March 2024.


Seats to PhD students from other Danish universities will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis and according to the applicable rules. Applications from other participants will be considered after the last day of enrolment.
Note: All applicants are asked to submit invoice details in case of no-show, late cancellation or obligation to pay the course fee (typically non-PhD students). If you are a PhD student, your participation in the course must be in agreement with your principal supervisor.