D2R | DNA to RNA

Circular RNA and the next generation of precision medicine

Rachel Mutombo — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 12:20:41 +0000

Through the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent creation of an mRNA vaccine, we saw firsthand the remarkable potential of messenger RNA (mRNA) as a therapeutic platform. What seemed like a simple prick in the arm, was in fact, a sophisticated set of instructions delivered to cells – teaching them to recognize, respond to, and fight the virus.

Cracking the code: How T cells can improve cancer treatments

Emily Cholette — Wed, 21 May 2025 11:00:00 +0000

At the center of the immune system are T cells, which act like a security team trained to recognize and eliminate anything harmful such as viruses, bacteria, and even cancer cells. But how do these guards know who the bad guys are?

2SLGBTQIA+ voices in RNA research

Mariloue Daudier — Sat, 17 May 2025 11:00:00 +0000

As the global community marks the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia on May 17, it’s a timely moment to reflect on how research communities can make their environments, practices, and priorities more inclusive. Scientific excellence is inseparable from equity—and that includes listening to and uplifting 2SLGBTQIA+ voices within research. At D2R, where advancing RNA-based therapies is at the heart of our work, we recognize the need to foster inclusive spaces not only in the science we do but in the systems that support it.

Making the invisible visible: How gamers and scientists are decoding microbial landscapes

Emily Cholette — Wed, 14 May 2025 11:00:00 +0000

In a world increasingly aware of microbial threats, understanding the tiny organisms that surround us has never been more important. But what if we could better understand these microbes through the power of video games?

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 51�Թ��, 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 51�Թ��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 51�Թ�� 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 51�Թ��, 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.