Designing complex RNA structures to fight viruses and improve therapies
Modeling and design of complex RNA structures
Researchers are building computer and lab methods to map RNA shapes and turn those shapes into antiviral treatments and more stable mRNA vaccines for people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11139411 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team combines computer modeling, electron microscopy, high-throughput sequencing, and machine learning to determine 3D shapes of RNA molecules. They use a hybrid pipeline called Ribosolve plus crowdsourced experiments to link RNA structure to function and to test antisense oligonucleotides that can block viral replication. Current work focuses on segments of the SARS-CoV-2 genome and on designing highly structured mRNA vaccine candidates with improved stability for global distribution. The project is lab-based at Stanford and involves wide collaboration to speed toward patient-facing antivirals and vaccine candidates.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with viral infections such as COVID-19, or individuals willing to donate samples or enroll in future clinical trials based on this work, would be most relevant.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to viral infections or those seeking immediate clinical care would likely not receive direct benefit from this basic research right away.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to new antiviral drugs that directly target viral RNA and to mRNA vaccines that are safer and easier to ship worldwide.
How similar studies have performed: mRNA vaccine technology has already proven highly effective and antisense therapies have succeeded in other diseases, but using detailed RNA-structure models to design antivirals and vaccines is a newer, still-developing approach.
Where this research is happening
Stanford, United States
- Stanford University — Stanford, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Das, Rhiju — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Das, Rhiju
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.