Objective
RNAs are linear biopolymers that consist of only four types of building blocks, but can fold into complex three-dimensional structures that are endowed with selective, high-affinity ligand-binding abilities known as aptamers, and catalytic activities known as ribozymes. Genome projects have brought the surprising insight that a large part of the human genome is transcribed into RNAs, but only a very small fraction is translated into proteins. The actual number of noncoding RNAs with specific functions is currently unknown, but many are considered as prominent regulators of cellular functions. Posttranscriptional modifications of RNA add an extra layer of complexity, but their regulatory roles in RNA metabolism are only poorly understood. Despite the relative simplicity in molecular composition, the available methodological repertoire for manipulation, interrogation and visualization of RNA is rather limited. This project aims to solve the challenge of RNA labeling in both fixed and living cells, using aptamers and ribozymes for RNA imaging and functional characterization. We introduce the term illumizymes for novel tools that attach bio-orthogonal tags and fluorophores to specific RNA sequences, in vitro and in vivo. Ribozymes and aptamers for small, stable, and specific labels will be identified by in vitro selection and systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) to activate the fluorescence of latent chromophores by restricting their conformational flexibility and/or formation of covalent bonds by new bio-orthogonal reactions. Using naturally inspired, cell-permeable and non-toxic ligands, we will specifically select for increased brightness and photostability, and evolve illumizymes into color-switching probes for RNA microscopy. The new genetically encodable RNA devices will find widespread applications in diverse disciplines to enlighten our understanding of cellular RNA functions in health and disease.
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: https://op.europa.eu/en/web/eu-vocabularies/euroscivoc.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: https://op.europa.eu/en/web/eu-vocabularies/euroscivoc.
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins
- natural sciences physical sciences optics microscopy
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics RNA
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics genomes
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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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H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - 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.
ERC-COG - Consolidator Grant
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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-2015-CoG
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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.
97070 Wuerzburg
Germany
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.