Project description
New computational approach to map RNA structures in 3D
Deep learning algorithms have successfully decoded how complex amino acid sequences fold into 3D protein structures. Despite progress in the field, they struggle to map the 3D shapes of RNA molecules. Although the latter dictate how RNA functions and drives diseases, researchers lack the massive datasets needed to train standard AI models. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the PINNACLE project aims to develop a novel computational framework to tackle this data scarcity. The proposed framework will combine a highly curated dataset with a neural network that learns the fundamental physical and biochemical laws governing RNA folding, rather than relying on raw data alone. This open-source tool will help reduce data dependency, ultimately accelerating RNA-based drug discovery.
Objective
Ribonucleic acid (RNA) molecules are central to cellular function and disease, with their biological roles being intrinsically linked to their complex three-dimensional (3D) structures. However, a significant gap exists between the number of known RNA sequences and experimentally determined structures. This data scarcity severely hampers the application of state-of-the-art deep learning methods, which have revolutionized protein structure prediction but fail to generalize for RNA due to their reliance on vast datasets.
The PINNACLE (Physics-Informed Neural Networks for Accurate Computational Learning of RNA Elements) project will address this fundamental challenge through a novel, physics-aware computational framework. The project has two primary objectives: 1) To construct and disseminate a high-quality, FAIR-compliant, and systematically curated dataset of RNA 3D structures, augmented with molecular simulations to capture molecular flexibility and rare interactions. 2) To develop and validate a novel Bayesian Physics-Informed Neural Network (B-PINN) that directly embeds the fundamental physical and biochemical laws governing RNA folding (e.g. electrostatics, base-stacking, torsional constraints) into the model's learning process.
PINNACLE will reduce the dependency on large training sets, improve generalization to novel RNA families, and provide robust uncertainty quantification for its predictions - a critical feature for guiding experimental research. This action will deliver a transformative open-source tool for the scientific community, accelerating research in RNA biology and the development of RNA-based therapeutics. Furthermore, this interdisciplinary training will equip the researcher with a unique skill-set at the intersection of AI, biophysics, and bioinformatics, providing a robust foundation for a future independent research career.
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.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
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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
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Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2025-PF
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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.
1165 KOBENHAVN
Denmark
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