DNA to RNA (D2R) | Dossiers | McGill University

DNA to RNA (D2R)

An inclusive Canadian approach to RNA therapeutics

McGill University is proud to announce it has been awarded $165 million from the Canadian Government through the Canada First Research Excellence Fund (CFREF) to pursue its world leading genomically-driven RNA therapeutics research initiative. The largest research grant in McGill’s history, the D2R initiative leverages McGill’s decades-long expertise in DNA and RNA research to develop the next generation of RNA medicines. With the goal of developing novel therapeutics for viral infections, cancer, and rare diseases, we aim to help restore Canada’s capacity in biopharmaceutical production, while also ensuring the treatments are shared equitably. 

Here is a look at McGill’s game-changing research and the people behind the science.

A close-up of a part of a DNA strand, featuring McGill's redworld treatment

The RNA revolution

Decades of research dedicated to RNA science made the rapid development and roll-out of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines possible. McGill University played a crucial role in this history of innovation — and more breakthroughs are on the horizon.

Together with our world-leading capacities in genomic science, McGill’s researchers are developing new RNA-based treatments for a range of diseases alongside a global community of scientists. The University is ensuring these therapies protect human health for all by engaging with diverse populations, Indigenous communities, and vulnerable groups, such as the elderly.

A researcher works at one of McGill's labs.

Launching the next revolution in medicine 

The McGill Centre for RNA Sciences (MCRS) is developing new drugs based on RNA targeting and gene editing, all while training the next generation of RNA leaders. 
A close-up of a multicolored DNA segment

Interdisciplinarity at the heart of RNA medicine 

The development of new RNA therapies requires leading experts in a range of fields like machine learning, fundamental biology, medicine and more, to work together. 
A close-up image of empty glass vials

Meet the leaders in RNA research

McGill researchers have been uncovering the mechanisms and potential of RNA for over 50 years. From genomics and RNA biology to medicine and biomanufacturing, our research strengths cover the range of expertise needed to discover gene targets and develop new treatments for disease.

In the social sciences, our researchers are working to ensure that developments in RNA medicine benefit all communities, including the vulnerable and medically underserved. The University launched the McGill Centre for RNA Sciences (MCRS) in 2022 to bring these interdisciplinary teams together.

Portrait of Prof. Kamen wearing a black blazer and checkered button-down top

Working to develop accessible vaccines

Amine Kamen’s work in vaccine development and biomanufacturing helps ensure that safe, effective vaccines can reach the patients who need them. 
Close-up portrait of a smiling Dr. Nahum Sonenberg, who is wearing a white lab coat and a blue striped button-down shirt

Discoveries that move science forward 

As Canada’s leading expert on mRNA, Nahum Sonenberg’s research has improved our understanding of diseases like cancer, diabetes, autism and fragile X syndrome.
A close-up portrait of Prof. Pelletier, who is smiling and wearing a black button-down shirt

New treatments for cancer

RNA biologist Jerry Pelletier’s research on fundamental biology is facilitating the development of RNA therapeutics as novel anti-cancer drugs.
A close-up portrait of a smiling Prof. Amélie Quesnel-Vallée, who is wearing square-rimmed glasses

Restoring trust in the medical field 

Amélie Quesnel-Vallée is helping non-profit, governmental and private partners make data-driven decisions around public health that respect the realities of underserved communities. 
Close-up of a woman with dark features who is wearing a blue medical mask

Priority disease areas

D2R is focused on treating diseases that cause the greatest societal and economic burden, as well as those that disproportionately affect marginalized and medically underserved groups. RNA-based medicines can treat a wide spectrum of diseases — from emerging viruses that threaten society with pandemics, to high-burden diseases like cancer, and rare genetic disorders that are incurable or prohibitively expensive to treat.

Close-up portrait of a smiling Prof. Anne Gatignol wearing a dark blazer and red scarf

Fighting global health threats

A McGill lab is developing RNA therapies against the HIV and SARS-CoV-2 viruses, as well as conducting work on the Zika virus. 
A close-up of a brain scan image

Examining inherited tumours 

RNA research can help us predict the likelihood of a rare inherited tumour causing cancer in children and adolescents.
A black and white close-up of someone filling up a syringe from a vial

How RNA helps us understand metastasis 

An important discovery linking a specific RNA structure and invasive breast cancer cells could enable new therapies that stop the spread of cancer.
A close-up of a virus molecule in red and black and white

Treating severe COVID cases

McGill researchers identified potentially fatal overactivated cellular pathways caused by COVID, and three existing drugs that can reduce mortality.

Developing the medicines of the future

The global pandemic introduced the world to a new form of vaccines composed of “messenger RNA” (mRNA) which harness the flow of genetic information (RNA or DNA) to treat the root cause of disease. The success of the mRNA vaccines, and the speed of their development, is one example how RNA discovery can revolutionize medicine.

At McGill, diverse and talented research teams are working to understand the role of RNA across different fields, including biology, chemistry, and biomedical sciences. Our researchers are investigating how new RNA-based therapies can treat a variety of diseases, including SARS-CoV-2, cancer and more.

What is RNA?

RNA plays so many roles, it is the unsung hero of the molecular universe.

McGill's scientific contribution to mRNA biology

An effective mRNA vaccine was made possible by some significant contributions from McGill.

The dazzling potential of RNA therapies

McGill's researchers are exploring the potential and the challenges of RNA-based medicines.

mRNA therapies for breast cancer

Targeting mRNA translation to effectively treat metastatic breast cancer.

Supporting Canada's biomanufacturing ecosystem

Revitalizing Canada’s biopharmaceutical industry is an urgent priority. Together with industry and government, McGill is working to build a nexus of RNA-based drug manufacturing in Canada. Scientific expertise, a strong history of start-ups in health research, and countless collaborations with companies including Moderna, Merck, Lilly, Novartis, Roche, Astra-Zeneca, GSK, Takeda, Pfizer, Vertex and Janssen, and others, make McGill an ideal partner in Canada’s drive to develop talent and grow our domestic biomanufacturing capacity.

McGill's Moderna connection

McGill alum Noubar Afeyan is the co-founder and chairman of Moderna and the founder and CEO of Flagship Pioneering.

Mobilizing McGill's mRNA research expertise

With news that Moderna is coming to the Greater Montreal Area, McGill is poised to contribute its established and emerging mRNA research excellence to Canada's biomanufacturing innovation ecosystem.

McGill joins Moderna in battle against global health threats

McGill is the first university in Canada to join global platform to accelerate the development of and expand the impact of mRNA vaccines and medicines.

Developing a strategy to combat rare diseases

Together with Montréal InVivo, the Life Sciences and Health Technologies (LSHT) cluster of Greater Montréal, McGill is pioneering research in Canada in the in the field of rare diseases (French only).

Health equity through innovation and collaboration

With the promise of new therapies comes the responsibility to achieve diverse representation in research and equitable access to the fruits of that research. McGill is committed to meaningful engagement, improved transparency, and robust systems of accountability. Our priority is to create opportunities that promote and support equity-seeking populations, including Canada’s Indigenous communities, and vulnerable groups such as the elderly.

Still of McGill's alumni website featuring vials of COVID-19 vaccines

How mRNA vaccines might change the course of medical history

A commitment to participatory research to address Indigenous health gaps

McGill is committed to an action plan for building healthier futures for Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit and Métis) peoples living in Canada.

Ensuring genetic databases are representative

McGill researchers collaborate on national initiatives to address the health inequities faced by Canadian Indigenous populations when accessing genomic technologies for the diagnosis of genetic diseases. 

Building a healthier future for families

Alleviating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children, youth and families a priority for McGill researchers.