At the Intersection of RNA Metabolism and Genome Maintenance in Cancer Workshop
Recent findings linking RNA metabolism to the DNA Damage Response (DDR) suggest that these two different processes may be functionally linked in tumorigenesis. Cancer-associated changes in RNA-processing factors or altered RNA post-transcriptional modifications can result in defective RNA maturation, stability and function, affecting the integrity of transcriptomes. RNA processing defects have also been linked to structural changes in the genome, which can pose a threat to genome stability.
On December 6-7, 2021, NCI virtually held the “At the Intersection of RNA Metabolism and Genome Maintenance in Cancer Workshop” to explore alterations in RNA metabolism as a novel means to modulate genome stability. It also aimed to identify gaps and opportunities in the field.
The overarching goals of the workshop included:
- To explore emerging connections between two historically distinct research areas of RNA metabolism and genome maintenance
- To bring together RNA-focused cancer biologists and genome maintenance experts to catalyze collaboration and explore the interactions between RNA metabolism and genome stability that contribute to cancer progression.
Talks and discussion of the meeting were divided into the following sessions:
- RNA processing defects as drivers of genome instability
- RNA as a modulator of DNA repair
- Potential therapeutic relevance of RNA metabolism for genotoxic therapy \
In summary, this workshop emphasized the importance of RNA metabolism for a diverse range of genome maintenance pathways, many of which play a role in cancer.
Documents from the Workshop
DCB Contacts for the Workshop
For additional information about the workshop, please contact Dr. Keren Witkin or Dr. Ian Fingerman.