New ways to model RNA structures with computers
Official title: New methods for computational modeling of RNA structures
Funded at University of Missouri-Columbia · NIH-11402568 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A grant to develop new computer methods to better model RNA shapes and behavior, which could help improve RNA-based medicines and vaccines.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Missouri-Columbia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbia, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2020 |
| Project end | August 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $519,922 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM134919-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-11402568 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients could benefit if RNA-based therapies or vaccines are developed using these improved models.
✕Less likely to help
Direct patient benefit is unlikely for those not involved in RNA therapy development.
What this research studies
Researchers will combine machine learning with biophysical data to predict how RNA folds, how fast it changes shape, and how it interacts with small molecules. The project uses large datasets from RNA experiments and aims to build practical tools that can design and analyze RNA for therapeutic use. This work focuses on translating complex RNA biology into reliable computer models that could speed up RNA drug and vaccine development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these modeling tools could accelerate design of RNA therapies and vaccines and improve understanding of RNA biology for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows ML and biophysical data can model biomolecules, but RNA-specific conformational dynamics remain challenging and this project seeks to advance that significantly.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Shi-Jie — University of Missouri-Columbia
- Study coordinator: Chen, Shi-Jie
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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.