Cap analogs with a photo-cleavable group as a general reagent to produce light-activatable mRNAs as tool for fundamental and medical research

FlashCaps is an innovative light-controlled mRNA translation system aimed at enhancing therapeutic applications by enabling precise activation without altering mRNA structure.

Subsidie
€ 150.000
2022

Projectdetails

Introduction

Messenger RNAs (mRNAs) have recently entered the stage as a therapeutic modality. Examples are the mRNA-based vaccines against infection by SARS-CoV-2. Hundreds of research groups in academia and industry aim to better understand the multiplicity of the mRNA technology and its possible applications.

Current Challenges

However, at present, researchers are unable to control when and where the mRNA is translated into proteins – which then have a pharmacological effect. This is a bottleneck that severely limits the research needed to further develop mRNA as a therapeutic modality.

FlashCaps Solution

We present FlashCaps, the first applicable solution that allows mRNA studies to be driven by light without altering the structure or sequence of the natural mRNA. Light is an excellent external control element that can be applied with high precision in space and time and without interfering with cellular processes.

  • FlashCaps prevent the translation of the mRNA until activated by light.
  • FlashCaps are compatible with all standard mRNA production and application procedures and thus of interest to all research groups and companies working on mRNA to date.

Proof of Concept

In this proof of concept, we will determine the innovation potential of FlashCaps with a team of highly qualified scientists and innovation managers.

Technological Research

Technological research to ensure reproducibility, stability, scalability, and quality of FlashCaps will be performed.

User Involvement

User-friendly applicability of FlashCaps is achieved through the involvement of beta-testers.

Innovation Management Research

Innovation management research, including market analyses, data analytics, and consumer interviews, is conducted to:

  1. Define the potential customers and their needs.
  2. Analyze the market potential.
  3. Investigate our competitors.

Knowledge Transfer

Based on the research results and the agile exchange between the technological and innovation management research, we will decide on the best way of knowledge transfer to make FlashCaps available to the growing number of mRNA researchers.

Financiële details & Tijdlijn

Financiële details

Subsidiebedrag€ 150.000
Totale projectbegroting€ 150.000

Tijdlijn

Startdatum1-5-2022
Einddatum31-10-2023
Subsidiejaar2022

Partners & Locaties

Projectpartners

  • UNIVERSITAET MUENSTERpenvoerder

Land(en)

Germany

Vergelijkbare projecten binnen European Research Council

ERC Advanced...

Principles of endogenous and therapeutic mRNA turnover in vivo

The ViveRNA project aims to enhance mRNA metabolism understanding through an improved sequencing pipeline and analyses, ultimately enabling the design of more effective mRNA therapeutics.

€ 2.499.875
ERC Starting...

Conjugation of NAD-capped RNAs to proteins by ADP-ribosyltransferases to generate RNA therapeutics

This project aims to develop RNAylated proteins as innovative RNA therapeutics by establishing design principles and delivery strategies to regulate cellular processes, including targeting the p53 protein.

€ 1.499.162
ERC Consolid...

Mapping and Direct Sequencing of the Non-Canonical Cap Code

Develop a single-molecule sequencing method to analyze native RNA caps and create a cap-ome atlas to elucidate the functions of non-canonical caps in eukaryotes.

€ 2.000.000
ERC Proof of...

Linker molecules convert commercial fluorophores into tailored functional probes during biolabeling

The project aims to enhance the performance of fluorescent probes by developing versatile linker compounds that improve labeling properties for biomedical applications, reducing costs and increasing reliability.

€ 150.000
ERC Proof of...

Novel functionalization of liposomic nano-vehicles for strongly-enhanced drug delivery

This project aims to innovate lipid-based drug delivery by developing novel functionalization methods to enhance therapeutic efficiency while overcoming PEGylation drawbacks.

€ 150.000

Vergelijkbare projecten uit andere regelingen

Mkb-innovati...

Het Rapid Response Vaccinatieplatform: Snel een epidemie onder controle krijgen door een snellere en efficiëntere vaccinatiemethode.

Het project ontwikkelt een Rapid Response Vaccinatie Platform dat mRNA-vaccins via micronaalden pijnvrij en kosteneffectief toedient, om snel uitbraken wereldwijd te bestrijden.

€ 350.000
EIC Pathfinder

Yeast cell factory for mRNA bioproduction

Yscript aims to revolutionize mRNA production by using yeast for efficient, cost-effective bioproduction and purification, enhancing therapeutic quality and accessibility in healthcare.

€ 3.078.249
Mkb-innovati...

NEW PRODUCTION METHOD OF INJECTABLE MICROCAPSULES FOR PULSATILE VACCINE DELIVERY

IamFluidics onderzoekt de haalbaarheid van 'in-air microfluidics' voor het produceren van polylactic acid microcapsules voor gecontroleerde vaccinafgifte, met als doel een kosteneffectieve, pulsatile injectieoplossing.

€ 20.000
EIC Transition

TraffikGene-Tx: Targeted Peptide Carriers for RNA Delivery

TraffikGene-Tx aims to develop safe, scalable peptide carriers for targeted RNA delivery, addressing genetic diseases and enhancing NAT therapies to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs.

€ 2.498.963
Mkb-innovati...

Haalbaarheid commerciële mRNA-delivery combinaties

Het project onderzoekt de technische, commerciële en wetenschappelijke obstakels voor de ontwikkeling en commercialisering van een stabiele mRNA/delivery vehikel combinatie.

€ 20.000