Project description
RNA origami for cellular control
RNA origami is a nanotechnology approach that exploits the natural self-folding properties of RNA to construct 2D and 3D nanostructures. These programmable scaffolds can be tailored into molecular devices capable of sensing, computation and actuation directly within living cells. The ERC-funded RIBOTICS project seeks to advance this concept further and create RNA-based nanorobots for synthetic regulation of cellular processes. Researchers will employ computer-aided design to engineer genetically encoded RNA constructs for controlling gene expression and organising metabolic pathways in yeast. This technology demonstrates versatility and is expected to find applications in biotechnology and medicine.
Objective
Biomolecular nanotechnology aims at using the self-assembly principles of nature to create nanostructures and nanomachines for applications in biotechnology, medicine, and materials science. Advanced nanodevices, that sense inputs, do basic computations, and actuate functionality or movement within their nanoscale environment, are referred to as “nanorobots”. With advances in methods for prediction and design of RNA and protein structure, there is now a big opportunity to create complex biomolecular nanorobots. However, it is not clear how to combine multiple functional motifs and how to design the dynamical energy landscapes of molecular machines. In the RIBOTICS research proposal, I will address this challenge by the construction of RNA origami robots that sense, compute, and actuate in cellular environments with the goal of providing components for RNA-based synthetic regulation of living cells. To achieve this goal, we will: (1) Establish a platform for design and characterization of RNA origami robots by developing computer-aided design software and using advanced cryo-electron microscopy and tomography methods, (2) Develop genetically encoded RNA origami robots for control of gene expression and spatial organization of enzymes for metabolic engineering, (3) Develop xenonucleic acid (XNA) origami robots by studying the effects of chemical modifications on structure and function of RNA motifs for applications in controlled gene delivery and biosensing, (4) Develop RNA circuits for control of RNA origami robot systems in cells to develop RNA-based signal transduction pathways for control of metabolism and biosynthesis in S. cerevisiae yeast. If successful, this project will provide a better understanding of the design principles for biomolecular function and provide a general platform for the development of RNA robot and circuit technology in cell systems for broad applications in biotechnology and medicine.
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.
This project's classification has been human-validated.
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.
This project's classification has been human-validated.
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.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
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-ERC - HORIZON ERC Grants
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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) ERC-2024-ADG
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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.
8000 Aarhus C
Denmark
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.