Keystone Symposia on Molecular and Cellular Biology

Small RNA Silencing: Little Guides, Big Biology (A6)

Small RNAs have emerged as remarkably pervasive and versatile regulators of gene expression in species ranging from viruses to animals. Although diverse in biogenesis and mode of action, these small, ~21 nucleotide riboregulators, including microRNAs, small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and PIWI-interacting RNAs, act as guides for Argonaute proteins. As part of these ribonucleoprotein complexes, small RNAs regulate virtually every step of gene expression, playing key roles in nearly every biological process. Nucleic acid-guided Argonautes can be found in eubacteria, archaea, and eukaryotes, suggesting ancient origins of the RNA interference (RNAi) mechanisms. Furthermore, prokaryotes have an RNA-guided immune system — the CRISPR system — that shares functional similarities with RNAi. Although our understanding of these small RNA pathways has progressed rapidly in the past decade, new questions continue to emerge, reflecting our ever more precise and comprehensive methods to quantify the abundance of molecular species and, consequently, the regulatory impact of small RNAs. This meeting seeks to catalyze the open exchange of ideas about the molecular mechanisms by which small RNAs are made and function, the quantitative interplay among small RNAs, between small RNAs and targets, and, ultimately, the consequences of these interactions for cellular function, in normal and pathological states. Special emphasis is placed on showcasing the work of young investigators, and on complementary approaches for studying gene regulation by small RNAs. Finally, the meeting seeks to continue the intellectually rigorous but congenial atmosphere that is the tradition of this exciting field.