Objective This project aims to computationally design RNA molecules apt to bind to a given protein under given conditions (such as binding affinity, properties of the solution and temperature).The relevance of this research lies in the current effort to elucidate the mechanism that guide RNA-protein complexes, which are abundantly found in the cell at all levels of relevant cell mechanisms. Further, such a study is expected to be a first valuable step in the effort of rational drug design in silico.In this project, we propose to transfer concepts from statistical mechanics used in e.g. soft matter science, to this challenging problem. Such a physics-based approach will explicitly take into account entropic effects encountered in the RNA-protein complexes, which properly account for the flexibility of these biomolecules, but which are usually disregarded by current techniques. With such an approach, we aim to win physical insight into the mechanisms governing RNA-protein complexes (shown on the example of the Hfq-RNA complex). Then, simulations can help to overcome experimental bottlenecks and drive their progress.In this project, the applicant aims to maintain close contacts with both other theoreticians and with the relevant experimental groups, both at the host institution and within the European Community. Fields of science medical and health sciencesbasic medicinemedicinal chemistrynatural sciencesphysical sciencescondensed matter physicssoft matter physicsnatural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculesproteinsnatural sciencesphysical sciencesclassical mechanicsstatistical mechanicsnatural sciencesbiological sciencesgeneticsRNA Programme(s) FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) FP7-PEOPLE-2011-CIG - Marie-Curie Action: "Career Integration Grants" Call for proposal FP7-PEOPLE-2011-CIG See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MC-CIG - Support for training and career development of researcher (CIG) Coordinator UNIVERSITAT WIEN Address Universitatsring 1 1010 Wien Austria See on map Region Ostösterreich Wien Wien Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Amy Williams (Ms.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window EU contribution No data
