D2R : DNA to RNA

11/27/2025

For International Day of Persons with Disabilities, join Dr. Grant Bruno at McGill University for a talk on decolonizing our understanding of neurodiversity.

On December 3rd, discover how Indigenous knowledge and perspectives can serve as a vital source of support for Indigenous families with autistic children.

The day includes:

Film Screening: They Are Sacred, 12:00–2:30 PM at the First Peoples House

Reception & Keynote Address: 5:00–8:00 PM, Armstrong 365

Register now: https://www.mcgill.ca/equity/category/tags/accessibility-mcgill/international-day-persons-disabilities/idpd-2025

11/05/2024

Newly appointed Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) of D2R, Philippe Gros, shares his vision for the future in a letter to the D2R community.

"As we move forward, our mission is clear: to develop next-generation RNA therapies that are accessible, equitable, and inclusive," said Gros. "Together, we have the potential to deliver groundbreaking RNA therapies that can change lives and shape the future of healthcare."

Read the letter: https://buff.ly/3AiGytJ



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Philippe Gros, récemment nommé directeur scientifique en chef de l'initiative D2R, partage sa vision de l'avenir dans une lettre adressée à la communauté de D2R.

« Notre mission pour l’avenir est claire : mettre au point des thérapies de type ARN de prochaine génération qui sont accessibles, équitables et inclusives », a déclaré Philippe Gros. « Ensemble, nous pouvons offrir des thérapies de type ARN novatrices qui peuvent changer des vies et façonner l’avenir des soins de santé. »

Lire la lettre : https://buff.ly/3AvXJbd

Dear D2R Community, I am deeply honored to step into the role of Chief Scientific Officer for the DNA to RNA (D2R) Initiative, and I want to take this opportunity to share my vision for the future as we embark on this exciting journey together. The rapid development of RNA technologies, illustrated....

10/31/2024

🎉 D2R is proud to welcome three newly appointed researchers at Université de Sherbrooke, the first to receive funding through our New Faculty Start-Up program. 🤝

This program strengthens our collaborative efforts to advance breakthrough discoveries in microbiology, biochemistry, and immunology. With support from D2R, these researchers will lead innovative projects that align with our mission of developing transformative RNA-based therapies for diverse health challenges.

Learn more about their impactful research: https://buff.ly/4f4NwRZ

Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé

10/31/2024

We are excited to announce the appointment of Philippe Gros as Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) of McGill’s DNA2RNA initiative. An internationally recognized researcher and former Deputy Vice-President (Research and Innovation) at McGill, Philippe brings decades of expertise in genomics and RNA therapies to this new role. He is widely known for his discoveries of genes, proteins, and pathways that influence complex human diseases.

Gros played a key role in laying the foundation for D2R's success and will now lead efforts to accelerate groundbreaking advancements in RNA-based precision medicine. With over 400 scientific publications, six patents, and prestigious awards like the McLaughlin Medal for Scientific Excellence and the Killam Prize in Health Sciences, his leadership will be instrumental in driving our mission forward.

"The work being done within D2R holds the promise to revolutionize treatment options for a wide range of diseases, and in different Canadian populations, and I look forward to collaborating with our team to accelerate this vital work,” said Gros.

Join us in welcoming Philippe Gros as the Chief Scientific Officer of D2R.

Read more about his appointment here: https://buff.ly/48rk1Yf

10/24/2024

🔊 : "B-cell derived extracellular vesicles with enriched miRNA contents that mitigate Th2 inflammation" led by Bruce Mazer, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre.

Co-Investigator: Janusz Rak (Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre)
Collaborator: Yasser Riaz Al-Hosseini (McGill University)

This project aims to develop and test laboratory-produced B-Cell-derived extracellular vesicles (B2-EV) as a potential low-toxicity therapy for severe asthma by targeting multiple genes through miRNA in preclinical mouse models.

🔗 Learn more: https://buff.ly/3Nzempi

10/23/2024

🔊 : "McGill Brand mRNA Production" led by Nathan Luedtke, McGill University.

Co-Investigators: Masad Damha (McGill University) and Maureen McKeague (McGill University)

This project includes mRNA production technologies and student training aimed at establishing a Quebec-based production platform.

🔗 Learn more: https://buff.ly/48jGwOs

10/22/2024

🔊 : "A first inclusive study on the ELSI aspects of RNA technologies and therapeutics" led by Yann Joly, McGill University.

Collaborators: Thomas Duchaine (McGill University), Silvia Vidal (McGill University) and Charles Dupras (Université de Montréal)

This project will be the first to identify ethical, legal, and social issues raised by research and medical practice involving RNA technologies.

🔗 Learn more: https://buff.ly/4eSzXoO

10/17/2024

🔊 : "Modelling individual differences in patterns of epigenetic regulation" led by Celia Greenwood, Jewish General Hospital.

Co-Investigators: Josée Dupuis (McGill University) and Qihuang Zhang (McGill University)

This project aims to develop advanced statistical methods to analyze epigenetic data types and identify epigenetic patterns associated with disease.

🔗 Learn more: https://buff.ly/3YqeJJ9

10/16/2024

🔊 : "Engineering a Circular RNA Platform for Cap-Dependent Translation" led by Masad Damha, McGill University.

Co-Investigator: Sidong Huang (McGill University)

This project explores the effects of diverse chemical modifications on circular RNA translation to synthetically produce molecules tailored for human therapeutics.

🔗 Learn more: https://buff.ly/3Y6cGs7

10/15/2024

🔊 : "pHREEDOM: A pH-Responsive probe to study Endosomal Escape for RNA Delivery Optimization and Monitoring" led by Pieter Cullis, University of British Columbia.

Co-Investigator: Anna Blakney (University of British Columbia)
Collaborator: Sabrina Leslie (University of British Columbia)

This project uses a pH-responsive probe to track the pH inside LNPs in order to optimize the delivery and design of gene therapies and increase treatment efficiency.

🔗 Learn more: https://buff.ly/406v2Mn

10/10/2024

🔊 : "Deep mutagenesis approaches to decode T cell receptor-antigen recognition." led by Raquel Cuella Martin, McGill University.

Co-Investigator: Heather Melichar (McGill University)

Collaborators: Benjamin Haley (Université de Montréal) and Li Xue (Radboud University)

This project combines cutting-edge genome engineering with artificial intelligence to identify T cell receptors that are promising targets for safe and effective cancer vaccines.

🔗 Learn more: https://buff.ly/3YfZzWI

10/08/2024

❗ Reminder: Funding Opportunity for Mpox Research ❗

Don’t miss your chance to apply for the D2R : DNA to RNA Rapid Response Program for Mpox Research in collaboration with MI4! This program aims to advance research in diagnostics, vaccine responses, and public health strategies to address urgent global health threats from Mpox and its potential spread.

Funding: Up to $100,000 for a term of 6 to 12 months.

🗓️ Application Deadline: October 30, 2024, 5 PM EST
🔗 Apply now: https://buff.ly/47xqFLS