Available to all students registered for a Single Honours degree in Biochemistry, Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Biochemistry and Genetics, Human Genetics and Biology,with or without another subject. Available to JYA/Erasmus students.Students from other degree courses need the module convenors’permission in writing to select this module and may be removed from the enrolment without this. Students cannot take this module and LIFE3029.

Since the chromosome of H. influenzae was sequenced in 1995 hundreds of thousands of genomes have been analysed, revealing surprises that include how abundant, non-coding RNAs can control cellular processes, and how failure of these processes can trigger disease. As a result, there is a now growing understanding of the fundamental importance of non-coding RNAs in all regulatory networks and cellular mechanisms.  
 
The first part of this module will describe the role of non-coding RNAs in the regulation of biological processes, focusing on new and exciting discoveries in micro-RNAs, piwi-RNAs and long non-coding RNAs. Information will be presented and linked to experimental models of neuron development and function, currently being investigated at the University of Nottingham. 
 
Throughout, this module will describe these RNA molecules and their associated proteins, and how their discovery revolutionised how we understand biological systems, causes of disease, and the development of novel approaches such as RNA silencing and CRISPR for use in medical research and biotechnology. Similar to the first part of the module, students will be taught about these RNA technologies by those using them directly in state-of-the-art research projects. 
 
There is a need for students to learn about this emerging and cutting-edge knowledge, because it is important to fully appreciate biochemistry and molecular biology across all organisms. Moreover, it will provide a detailed background on one of the fastest evolving areas of cellular and molecular biology, with incredible promise in the development of future therapeutic options across multiple disease backgrounds. 

The module will deliver knowledge at the cutting-edge of RNA molecular biology. Students will gain understanding of how the biological use of RNA is central to regulating life, emerging from 30 years of DNA genome sequencing projects. It will highlight recent new use of RNA in vaccination against SARS-CoV2/Covid-19. Emphasis will be placed on (a) Different types of non-coding RNAs, (b) how non-coding RNA molecules function in fundamental biology, and (c) how recent developments in our understanding of natural RNA based mechanisms are being harnessed in basic research (e.g. microRNAs), biotechnology (e.g. CRISPR) and medicine (e.g. immunisation and antisense therapy). 

Lectures 1-4:

1. The RNA world - Structure and chemistry of RNA, ribozymes, origins of life. RNA technologies and their applications (e.g., RNA vaccines) 

2. Types of RNA - The growing identification and functional understanding of non-coding RNAs 

3. Non-coding RNAs and their regulatory roles (I) - lnc-RNAs, piwiRNAs and riboswitches.

4. Non-coding RNAs and their regulatory roles (II) - siRNAs and microRNAs 

Workshop 1: 

Inverted class and open discussion based on research project (material provided in Lecture 4)

Lectures 5-8:

5. microRNAs in prokaryotes – Gene regulation, Dicer systems, CRISPR-Cas systems

6. CRISPR-Cas systems – Natural ‘interference’ reactions and its utilisation for genome editing

7. Principles of CRISPR-Cas9 editing and the discovery and development of other CRISPR-based genetic editing enzymes

8. CRISPR-based technologies and therapies – e.g. new SARS-CoV2 (‘Covid-19’) detection kits.

Workshop 2:

Design and use of CRISPR single-guide RNA for biology and biotechnology.

Lectures 1-4:

1. The RNA world - Structure and chemistry of RNA, ribozymes, origins of life. RNA technologies and their applications (e.g., RNA vaccines) 

2. Types of RNA - The growing identification and functional understanding of non-coding RNAs 

3. Non-coding RNAs and their regulatory roles (I) - lnc-RNAs, piwiRNAs and riboswitches.

4. Non-coding RNAs and their regulatory roles (II) - siRNAs and microRNAs 

Workshop 1: 

Inverted class and open discussion based on research project (material provided in Lecture 4)

Lectures 5-8:

5. microRNAs in prokaryotes – Gene regulation, Dicer systems, CRISPR-Cas systems

6. CRISPR-Cas systems – Natural ‘interference’ reactions and its utilisation for genome editing

7. Principles of CRISPR-Cas9 editing and the discovery and development of other CRISPR-based genetic editing enzymes

8. CRISPR-based technologies and therapies – e.g. new SARS-CoV2 (‘Covid-19’) detection kits.

Workshop 2:

Design and use of CRISPR single-guide RNA for biology and biotechnology.