Xavier Bofill De Ros, our new expert in RNA-based drugs
Beginning of May, Xavier Bofill De Ros will join ILF as associate professor to start a new research group within RNA-based drug discovery.
Xavier Bofill De Ros will be starting at our department on 1 May.
How would you describe your overall profile as a researcher, and your previous roles and areas of expertise at Aarhus University?
“I am a molecular biologist with a research focus on small non-coding RNAs and therapeutics, particularly microRNAs and shRNAs.
My work combines molecular genetics, functional genomics, and computational approaches to understand how RNA metabolism regulates their functions.
During my PhD, I developed methods to improve the safety of gene therapy vectors by exploiting the differences in microRNA expression between normal tissues and pancreatic tumors.
Later, during my postdoctoral training at the National Cancer Institute (NIH, USA), I switched from applied to basic biology. There, I developed an interest in understanding how tumoral transformation impacts microRNA processing and their functions".
My hope is to accomplish cutting-edge research at the intersection between RNA biology and therapeutics that facilitates the adoption of RNA-based drugs for as many applications as possible.
How would you describe the research area you will be responsible for now, and your new role as leader for a research group?
“By relocating, I will be able to strengthen the therapeutic side of my research profile.
Since I started the lab, I have been collaborating with industry partners that are looking to incorporate our expertise and findings from the basic molecular biology into their drug development pipelines ranging from neuromuscular diseases to HIV persistence.
This has made me realize the strong societal value of working at the intersection between basic and translational research. In the new position, I will be responsible for working in that direction, but also to train pharmacy students on these novel therapeutic modalities".
What are you hoping to accomplish in your new position?
“In recent years, we have seen how research on therapeutic strategies that seemed far away from being a commercial drug have become a reality. During the pandemic, RNA vaccines became a worldwide reality. Similarly, siRNAs to treat diseases are being used to treat patients.
All this has been possible thanks to many researchers globally, pushing our understanding of the molecular mechanisms necessary to translate it into biopharmaceuticals.
My hope is to accomplish cutting-edge research at the intersection between RNA biology and therapeutics that facilitates the adoption of RNA-based drugs for as many applications as possible".
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