Project description
Mapping RNA-targeting drugs
RNA splicing is a key step in gene expression, where non-coding sequences (introns) are removed from pre-mRNA before protein synthesis can take place. RNA splicing defects underlie many genetic diseases and targeting this pathway is gaining interest as a therapeutic strategy. However, understanding how small molecules selectively bind RNA or RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) remains a major challenge. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the SMART-RT project aims to develop a novel method to map interactions of small molecules with RNA and RBP in cells. This will provide important insight into RNA biology and is expected to accelerate RNA-targeted drug discovery for various genetic conditions.
Objective
RNA is vital for cellular processes that include transcription, translation, and gene expression, making it an attractive drug target. However, deciphering the selective interaction between small molecules and RNA remains challenging due to RNA's dynamic structure and limited chemical functionality. Although FDA-approved drugs like Evrysdi have demonstrated the therapeutic potential of RNA binding small molecules, precise and reliable methods for targeting the interactions remain underdeveloped. This project aims to develop a Small Molecule-Assisted RNA Targeting and Reverse Transcription (SMART-RT) method to address this important challenge. The primary objective of SMART-RT is to create an in-situ interaction map of small molecules that interact with RNA or RNA-associated proteins (RBPs) in live cells. This innovative method will use RNA/RBP-binding small molecules to induce proximal reverse transcription (RT), enabling precise and sensitive mapping of RNA sequences and their interactions in their native cellular environment through downstream sequencing. By overcoming the limitations of current methods, SMART-RT will offer a detailed map of RNA/RBP interactions with small molecules, providing new insights and opportunities for the targeting of RNA biology and facilitating the discovery of novel therapeutics. This multidisciplinary project combines chemical biology, molecular biology, and medicinal chemistry to map RNA/RBP-small molecule interactions, using cutting-edge biotechnology for scientific exploration. It leverages my expertise in biochemistry and medicinal chemistry, providing extensive RNA technology training and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations. Aligned with MSCA’s goals of promoting innovation and knowledge transfer, the project will advance scientific discovery and technological development. Awarded MSCA Fellow will boost my research independence and equip me as group leader in biotechnology, enabling significant contributions to the field.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics RNA
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
CB2 1TN CAMBRIDGE
United Kingdom
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.