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.
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:
- Define the potential customers and their needs.
- Analyze the market potential.
- 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
Startdatum | 1-5-2022 |
Einddatum | 31-10-2023 |
Subsidiejaar | 2022 |
Partners & Locaties
Projectpartners
- UNIVERSITAET MUENSTERpenvoerder
Land(en)
Vergelijkbare projecten binnen European Research Council
Project | Regeling | Bedrag | Jaar | Actie |
---|---|---|---|---|
Principles of endogenous and therapeutic mRNA turnover in vivoThe ViveRNA project aims to enhance mRNA metabolism understanding through an improved sequencing pipeline and analyses, ultimately enabling the design of more effective mRNA therapeutics. | ERC Advanced... | € 2.499.875 | 2023 | Details |
Conjugation of NAD-capped RNAs to proteins by ADP-ribosyltransferases to generate RNA therapeuticsThis 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. | ERC Starting... | € 1.499.162 | 2024 | Details |
Mapping and Direct Sequencing of the Non-Canonical Cap CodeDevelop 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. | ERC Consolid... | € 2.000.000 | 2024 | Details |
Linker molecules convert commercial fluorophores into tailored functional probes during biolabelingThe 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. | ERC Proof of... | € 150.000 | 2024 | Details |
Novel functionalization of liposomic nano-vehicles for strongly-enhanced drug deliveryThis project aims to innovate lipid-based drug delivery by developing novel functionalization methods to enhance therapeutic efficiency while overcoming PEGylation drawbacks. | ERC Proof of... | € 150.000 | 2023 | Details |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Vergelijkbare projecten uit andere regelingen
Project | Regeling | Bedrag | Jaar | Actie |
---|---|---|---|---|
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. | Mkb-innovati... | € 350.000 | 2020 | Details |
Yeast cell factory for mRNA bioproductionYscript aims to revolutionize mRNA production by using yeast for efficient, cost-effective bioproduction and purification, enhancing therapeutic quality and accessibility in healthcare. | EIC Pathfinder | € 3.078.249 | 2022 | Details |
NEW PRODUCTION METHOD OF INJECTABLE MICROCAPSULES FOR PULSATILE VACCINE DELIVERYIamFluidics onderzoekt de haalbaarheid van 'in-air microfluidics' voor het produceren van polylactic acid microcapsules voor gecontroleerde vaccinafgifte, met als doel een kosteneffectieve, pulsatile injectieoplossing. | Mkb-innovati... | € 20.000 | 2022 | Details |
TraffikGene-Tx: Targeted Peptide Carriers for RNA DeliveryTraffikGene-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. | EIC Transition | € 2.498.963 | 2023 | Details |
Haalbaarheid commerciële mRNA-delivery combinatiesHet project onderzoekt de technische, commerciële en wetenschappelijke obstakels voor de ontwikkeling en commercialisering van een stabiele mRNA/delivery vehikel combinatie. | Mkb-innovati... | € 20.000 | 2020 | Details |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.