RNA Sequencing Illuminates Genome's Dark Matter

Scientists are realizing the defining qualities that make up each cell actually lie in a cousin of DNA called RNA.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Although there are striking differences between the cells that make up our bodies, the DNA blueprint for these cells is essentially the same. Scientists are now realizing that the defining qualities of each cell actually lie in RNA, a cousin of DNA. RNA was long considered DNA's boring biochemical relative, but researchers have discovered that much of the 'dark matter' of the genome - the sequences of DNA that don't code for proteins - is transcribed into noncoding RNA that can regulate the genome and generate cell diversity. RNA modifications are also found to orchestrate cell fate and can be linked to various diseases. Researchers are now working to sequence the entire human RNome to aid in human health and improve treatments.

Why it matters

Understanding the role of RNA and its modifications is crucial for advancing human health. While the Human Genome Project mapped our DNA, the Human RNome Project aims to map all human RNAs and their modifications, which could lead to new treatments for a broad array of diseases caused by RNA dysregulation.

The details

RNA was long considered a mere courier of genetic information from DNA to the cell's protein-making machinery. But scientists have discovered that much of the 'dark matter' of the genome - the 98% of DNA that doesn't code for proteins - is transcribed into noncoding RNAs that can regulate gene expression and cell development. These RNAs have diverse structures and functions, and chemical modifications to RNAs can dramatically impact their activity, leading to diseases when dysregulated. Researchers are now working to sequence the entire human RNome, the RNA equivalent of the Human Genome Project, to better understand health and disease.

  • The past 20 years of research on RNA modifications has led to what scientists call an 'RNA Renaissance', catapulting RNA to become one of the most attractive macromolecules to study and use as vaccines and medicines.

The players

Thomas Begley

Professor of Biological Sciences, Associate Director of The RNA Institute, University at Albany, State University of New York.

Marlene Belfort

Professor of Biological Sciences, Senior Advisor of The RNA Institute, University at Albany, State University of New York.

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What they’re saying

“RNA was long considered DNA's boring biochemical relative. Researchers thought it merely takes the genetic information stored in DNA and delivers it to other parts of the cell, where it is then used to make the proteins that carry out the cell's functions.”

— Thomas Begley, Professor of Biological Sciences, Associate Director of The RNA Institute, University at Albany, State University of New York (Mirage News)

“Understanding and harnessing the power of the dark matter of RNA requires a project on the scale of the Human Genome Project. Labs around the world are using new technologies and approaches to sequence all RNAs, called the RNome. Cataloging and defining RNA and its modifications in healthy and diseased cells will require even further advances in sequencing technology so that it can detect more than one modification at a time.”

— Marlene Belfort, Professor of Biological Sciences, Senior Advisor of The RNA Institute, University at Albany, State University of New York (Mirage News)

What’s next

Researchers are continuing to develop new sequencing technologies that can detect multiple RNA modifications at once, which will be crucial for fully mapping the human RNome and understanding its role in health and disease.

The takeaway

The discovery of the regulatory and functional roles of RNA beyond just transmitting genetic information from DNA has ushered in an 'RNA Renaissance', opening up new avenues for developing RNA-based treatments and technologies to improve human health.