ARW ON RNA
The Cell-Free Revolution: Breaking The Plasmid DNA Bottleneck
I was excited to be given the opportunity to sit down with Jodi Barrientos, CEO, Ribbon Bio, to learn more about the current state of the synthetic DNA space. In the following Q&A, Barrientos and I discuss some of the synthetic DNA industry’s biggest goals and the challenges that stand in the way of bringing synthetic plasmids more commonly into the mRNA development paradigm.
OUR EXPERT NETWORK
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Beyond Hairpins: A New Translational Repression Assay Expands RNA-Binding Protein Research
Researchers expanded translational repression assays beyond RNA hairpins, enabling scalable study of linear RNA-protein interactions in living cells.
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Circular ssDNA Opens A New Programming Layer For Cell-Free Gene Expression
CssDNA vectors enable programmable cell-free gene expression, merging DNA nanotech with synthetic biology to create dynamic logic circuits and smarter biosystems.
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Engineering RNA Payload Distribution In LNPs To Unlock Higher In Vivo Gene Editing Efficiency
New research shows RNA payload distribution inside LNPs — not just encapsulation efficiency — may be key to unlocking stronger in vivo gene editing performance.
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Beyond Guanidine: Scientists Discover A Mysterious Riboswitch Variant With A Different Biological Target
Scientists identified a mysterious riboswitch variant that resembles guanidine sensors but likely evolved to detect an entirely different metabolite.
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RNA Modification-Mediated Translational Control In Immune Cells
Exploring how m6A RNA modifications control immune cell translation, influencing inflammation, tumor immunity, T cell activation, and future immunotherapies.
WEBINARS
MEET ARW

I’ve spent the past 10 years building relationships across the biologics and advanced therapies industry. In addition to hosting conversations and writing thought leadership articles, my goal as the editorial and community director for Advancing RNA is to find creative ways for the RNA (and broader ATMP) space to discuss, debate, and ultimately define a mature RNA therapeutics industry.
Start the conversation by following me on LinkedIn!
RNA HOT TAKES
- Sticks, Carrots, & Carolina Reapers: Fact-Checking The "Death" Of The US mRNA Industry
- mRNA Hot Takes: Ghost Peppers & Global R&D
- mRNA Hot Takes: Habaneros & Headwinds
- The Trough Of Disillusionment: 2026 RNA Reality Checks
- mRNA Hot Takes: Fighting Complacency And "Alternative Facts" In 2026
- mRNA Hot Takes: Building A Solid Foundation For Your RNA Company & Products
VIRTUAL EVENTS
- Advancements in gRNA Manufacturing & Quality
- Chemoenzymatic Ligation: A New Frontier In siRNA Manufacturing
- Advancements In Targeted LNP Therapy
- Unlocking The Future: Innovations In The mRNA And Oligo Supply Chains
- Process Development Considerations For Next-Gen RNA Therapeutics
- RNA Delivery Reimagined: Innovative Nonviral Strategies Beyond LNPs
NEWSLETTER ARCHIVE
- 05.22.26 -- Scaling RNA & LNP Manufacturing With Smarter Analytics
- 05.13.26 -- Simplify The Journey Of Advancing Your Therapies To Patients
- 05.02.26 -- Advancing RNA Newsletter Best Of April
- 04.29.26 -- Inside Alnylam's Playbook For High Volume siRNA Production
- 04.22.26 -- How Informal FDA Feedback Is Driving RNA Capital Allocation
- 04.16.26 -- Innovation That's Redefining Aseptic Filling