Project description DEENESFRITPL Exploiting non-standard forms of mRNA Messenger RNA (mRNA) is responsible for translating genetic information into proteins, which are the key drivers of biological processes. However, so far we are only scratching the surface when it comes to exploiting the application potential of these molecules. Scientists of the EU-funded NEWmRNA project argue that a new approach to studying and producing standard and non-standard forms of mRNA is needed given its emerging role in vaccination, chemistry, diagnostics and pest control. Therefore, they will follow a synthetic biology approach for studying and manufacturing mRNA with biological value. Show the project objective Hide the project objective Objective mRNA is a major actor in the expression of cellular information, but we can only wield it in the very narrow boundaries imposed upon us by the transcriptional machinery and our lack of knowledge of the chemical scope of mRNA translation inhuman cells. Given the diverse role of mRNA in major life science applications from vaccination via gene therapy, chemistry, and diagnostics to pest control in agriculture, we argue that we are missing a huge opportunity to improve the outcome of medical therapies, broaden chemical catalysis, advance medical diagnostics, and reduce the human footprint in agriculture. With a focus on medical applications, NEWmRNA proposes to follow a synthetic biology approach to redraw the chemical map of the translation of mRNAs in human cells and at the same time to transform biological mass production of mRNAs. In the course of the project, we will implement a novel cellular assay to rapidly assess the impact of non-canonical forms of mRNA on translation and cellular signaling, re-engineer enzymatic mRNA synthesis via T7 RNA polymerase, introduce the concept of cloaked bioproduction in bacteria – the production of protected forms of instable molecules, coupled to enzymatic recovery post production – and introduce crucial steps for industrial-scale production of mRNA. Fields of science medical and health sciencesmedical biotechnologygenetic engineeringgene therapynatural sciencesbiological sciencessynthetic biologyagricultural sciencesagriculture, forestry, and fisheriesagriculturenatural scienceschemical sciencescatalysisnatural sciencesbiological sciencesgeneticsRNA Keywords gene therapy vaccination orthogonal systems Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.2. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Future and Emerging Technologies (FET) Main Programme H2020-EU.1.2.1. - FET Open Topic(s) FETOPEN-01-2018-2019-2020 - FET-Open Challenging Current Thinking Call for proposal H2020-FETOPEN-2018-2020 See other projects for this call Sub call H2020-FETOPEN-2018-2019-2020-01 Funding Scheme RIA - Research and Innovation action Coordinator EIDGENOESSISCHE TECHNISCHE HOCHSCHULE ZUERICH Net EU contribution € 484 177,50 Address Raemistrasse 101 8092 Zuerich Switzerland See on map Region Schweiz/Suisse/Svizzera Zürich Zürich Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Other funding € 0,00 Participants (5) Sort alphabetically Sort by Net EU contribution Expand all Collapse all KATHOLIEKE UNIVERSITEIT LEUVEN Belgium Net EU contribution € 452 500,00 Address Oude markt 13 3000 Leuven See on map Region Vlaams Gewest Prov. Vlaams-Brabant Arr. Leuven Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Other funding € 0,00 UNIVERSITAT ZURICH Switzerland Net EU contribution € 584 880,00 Address Ramistrasse 71 8006 Zurich See on map Region Schweiz/Suisse/Svizzera Zürich Zürich Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Other funding € 0,00 UNIVERSITAT KONSTANZ Germany Net EU contribution € 585 000,00 Address Universitatsstrasse 10 78464 Konstanz See on map Region Baden-Württemberg Freiburg Konstanz Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Other funding € 0,00 THERAXEN SA Luxembourg Net EU contribution € 376 250,00 Address 296 route de longwy 1940 Luxembourg See on map Region Luxembourg Luxembourg Luxembourg Activity type Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Other funding € 0,00 COMMISSARIAT A L ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES France Net EU contribution € 515 737,50 Address Rue leblanc 25 75015 Paris See on map Region Ile-de-France Ile-de-France Paris Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Other funding € 0,00
