Objective
Information storage and propagation in biological systems is based on just two types of nucleic acids, DNA and RNA. Our aim is to design and build artificial genetic systems based on alternative nucleic acid architectures and "invade" biological information processing with an orthologous autonomously replicating episome (which we name the "orthosome"). We propose to build the orthosome from sugar modified oligonucleotides HNA (hexitol nucleic acids) and CeNA (cyclohexene nucleic acids) because of their conformational analogy, helix forming properties and resistance to enzymatic degradation. We will first establish an orthosome capable of in vitro replication and interconversion into DNA and/or RNA.
The tools of protein design and repertoire selection will be used to create an alternative replication and transcription machinery capable of replicating and transcribing the orthosome. We will then establish a "bridgehead" in a living cell, whereby we establish orthogonality as well as communication links with the cellular replication and translation machinery through transliteration of essential sequences encoded in the orthosome. We will use a selection screen for the transmission of a genetic message encoded in HNA or CeNA, to identify bacterials strains capable of using HNA or CeNA as a template. An in vitro orthosome would allow the bulk production of nucleic acid-like polymers which can be used as nucleic acid based therapeutics such as aptamers, ribozymes or siRNA or have benefits in the emerging fields of bionanotechnology and nucleic acid computing. A living cell harboring the orthosome will constitute the first organism with an expanded genetic system based on a 3rd type of nucleic acid.
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 nucleic acids
- natural sciences biological sciences microbiology bacteriology
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics DNA
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics RNA
- natural sciences computer and information sciences data science data processing
You need to log in or register to use this function
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.
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.
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.
FP6-2004-NEST-PATH
See other projects for this call
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.
Coordinator
LEUVEN
Belgium
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.