Recent studies on the activities of RNA in the cell have revolutionized our understanding of the many roles played by this molecule. The first two editions of The RNA World (1993, 1999) shed light on the pre-biotic era dominated by this versatile molecule, and provided an overview of the state of RNA research at the time. The new third edition of The RNA World updates this perspective, describing the vast array of newly discovered roles for RNA in the modern world. The updated original chapters are supplemented with new chapters on RNA-protein complexes, snRNPs and snoRNPs, telomerase RNA, RNAi, microRNAs, noncoding RNA, and many other subjects. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in the biology of nucleic acids and gene regulation and a valuable resource for teaching these concepts.

REVIEWS OF THE PREVIOUS EDITIONS

"...rich source of information and indispensable reading for researchers investigating the biology of nucleic acids. Because of its wider scope, The RNA World will also attract nonspecialist readers interested in how life on Earth may have originated and evolved."

-Science

"The book contains a wealth of information in a condensed form and thus, for some years to come, will constitute a gold mine of bibliographic value even for those specializing in the various areas that are covered.... All in all, a great book!"

-Cell

"Although it is fun, speculation about origins in the absence of much data is not the inclination of most people who study RNA. Fortunately, the origin of life is not the only topic covered by this book. This volume, like the last, also provides excellent reviews of many aspects of RNA function, each written by an expert in the field. We believe that it is this second objective of The RNA World that makes it most useful to RNA specialists and nonspecialists alike."

-RNA

"Overall, the book is splendid and a 'must' for serious practitioners in the field. It is also essential for students taking graduate courses in nucleic acids; The RNA World should get them excited about being part of the scientific enterprise that brings RNA back to the future."

-Trends in Biochemical Sciences