This highly illustrated textbook provides an essential overview on RNA architecture and function, it offers insights into the RNA basics and also explains novel RNA technologies, such as CRISPR-Cas and their applications. In addition, the mRNA based vaccine technology, which has long been tested, also before the COVID-19 pandemic, is discussed and students receive a basic understanding of this important medical application.

The textbook is written by Prof. Grover in collaboration with her students and has an easily accessible style.

The book provides a great tool for young researchers and students in biology, biomedical engineering or biochemistry, looking for a compact introduction or refresher work on RNA, including the newest findings and technologies. It is an ideal starter to learn about several RNA specific topics and to research them further.

Autorentext

Prof. Grover is an RNA researcher who did postdoctoral work on catalytic RNA, specifically hammerhead RNA, at the University of Colorado, Boulder. She is professor and an independent researcher in the field of RNA thermodynamics at Colorado College, Colorado Springs, USA.

Inhalt

1. RNA-Composition and Base Pairing.- 2. Architecture of RNA.- 3. Small Catalytic RNA.- 4. The Spliceosome: A Large Catalytic RNA.- 5. A Genomic Perspective on RNA.- 6. The mRNA and the New Vaccines.- 7. Riboswitches: Sensors and Regulators.- 8. Small Non-Coding RNA, miRNA in Gene Regulation.- 9. CRISPR-Cas Systems, The science and ethics of gene manipulation.- 10. Transcription.