Cracking the Code: Phil Sharp & the Biotech Revolution — Special Premiere in Santa Cruz
On Monday, October 20, 2025, the UCSC RNA Center will host a premiere screening of Cracking the Code: Phil Sharp & the Biotech Revolution at the Landmark Santa Cruz Theater. This is not just a film screening. It’s an opportunity to understand — at both a scientific and human level — how one discovery changed the way we view biology and medicine.
Why Phil Sharp’s Work Matters
In 1977, Phillip Sharp discovered RNA splicing. This finding revealed that our genes contain “interrupted” information — coding sequences separated by non-coding regions. Before this, biologists assumed that genes were simple, continuous stretches of DNA. Sharp’s work showed that our cells edit and splice RNA molecules before they become proteins.
Why does that matter? Because splicing dramatically increases the diversity of proteins our bodies can make from a limited number of genes. In practical terms, this was the molecular key that opened the door to modern biotechnology. It’s the reason we have advanced diagnostics, targeted therapies, and the ability to design treatments for genetic disease.
The film, narrated by Mark Ruffalo, doesn’t just show the science — it reveals Sharp’s personal trajectory: a farm kid from Kentucky, navigating challenges like dyslexia, who eventually reshaped medicine and won a Nobel Prize. The trailer highlights how persistence and curiosity drive real innovation. Watch it here.
The Local Connection
Jeremy Sanford, Co-Director of the UCSC Genomics Institute and a leader in RNA biology, extended the invitation to the Santa Cruz Works community. His own research focuses on how RNA-binding proteins regulate gene expression and how disruptions can lead to disease. This connection is important: UCSC is not just hosting a film — it’s showcasing how our local community is at the center of global RNA research.
By attending, you’ll see how one discovery set the stage for decades of breakthroughs — and you’ll connect it directly to the pioneering work happening right here in Santa Cruz.
What You’ll Experience
When & Where: Monday, October 20, 2025 — Landmark Santa Cruz Theater
Hosted by: UCSC RNA Center, in partnership with UCSC Genomics Institute
Why Attend: To learn the mechanisms behind one of the most important discoveries in biology, to see how science impacts medicine, and to connect with researchers shaping the future.
This isn’t just a film premiere. It’s an exploration of how mechanism leads to impact — how understanding RNA splicing led to the biotechnology revolution. And it’s a chance to engage with the people carrying that legacy forward today.
Key Takeaways
Mechanisms Matter: Understanding biological processes at the molecular level leads directly to innovations in diagnostics and therapies that affect millions of lives.
Persistence Drives Breakthroughs: Sharp’s story illustrates that scientific progress often comes from sustained effort through challenges — a principle applicable to any discipline.
Local Science, Global Impact: UCSC researchers are advancing the next wave of RNA biology, linking our community to discoveries that will shape medicine’s future.
