RNA technology is poised to drive a new era of discovery and innovation across human and veterinary medicine, agriculture, and industry—an inflection point as consequential as the recombinant DNA revolution of the 1980s. As the first comprehensive survey of noncoding RNAs, this textbook provides a timely and authoritative introduction to one of the most dynamic frontiers in modern biology. It offers a broad overview of RNA biology while serving as a companion volume to The Biology of RNA: Long and Small Non-coding RNAs, and two forthcoming volumes on the practical applications of RNA. Designed to promote learning and long-term retention, each chapter features overviews, learning objectives, and clearly highlighted key concepts, definitions, and key takeaways, along with case studies and quizzes that help readers apply what they have learned. Bringing together foundational discoveries, current research, and emerging directions, this textbook is an indispensable resource for undergraduate and graduate students, researchers, and all readers seeking a deeper understanding of this fast-moving field.

Advance Praise for The Biology of RNA:

 “A rare RNA textbook that closes the gap between basic RNA biology and the clinical revolution unfolding around it.” – Ada E. Yonath, PhD, Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2009

“Anyone who reads it will come away with a far better understanding and appreciation of this important molecule that is fundamental to all of our lives.” – Robert S. Langer, David H. Koch Institute Professor, MIT.

Dr. Haseltine is the Chair of ACCESS Health International and Professor of Regenerative Medicine at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research. With over 50 years of experience, he has worked extensively with RNA. He co-discovered enhancers during his professional work at Harvard University and the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. Later, as founder and CEO of Human Genome Sciences, the company became the first in the world to isolate a complete set of protein-coding messenger RNAs and hundreds of thousands of other noncoding mRNAs. He continues to work on the fundamental role of RNA in biology and its medical applications.

Dr. Roberto Patarca is the Chief Medical Officer at ACCESS Health International, has published over 100 manuscripts and nine books, served as Editor-in-Chief and Book Series Editor for Haworth Medical Press, and was elected member of the Academy of Sciences of Latin America. Their contributions have sparked progressive dialogues within the scientific community.