Next-generation scientists studying extracellular RNA
Extracellular RNA (exRNA) is a new research frontier of interkingdom communication that is relevant to all living biological systems. The exRNAs are found encapsulated in EVs or in non-vesicular forms, and are likely bound to RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), which is important for exRNA stability and delivery into target cells. Recent discoveries revealed that exRNA signal transmission across kingdoms is functional in diverse host-pathogen interactions, including plant and animal infectious diseases caused by virus, bacteria, fungi, and nematodes. Despite these discoveries, we have very little knowledge about the molecular and cellular mechanisms and modes of action facilitating forms of RNA interkingdom communication. A central question across all biological systems is: how are exRNA signals integrated into target cells and converted into biological functions in infection models of plants and animals?
The overall goal of the nEXt-RNA project is to provide excellent and integrated multi-disciplinary and intersectoral research, training and mentoring of outstanding DCs in the emerging research field of exRNA. Eleven DCs will be appointed to seven Beneficiary Organisations collaborating tightly with nine associated partner organisations from academic and non-academic sectors offering secondments and training to conduct cutting-edge individual research projects and carrier development. This will bring about invaluable new knowledge to this scientific field to foster innovation, and will educate future research leaders in academia and industry.
This project contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3 Good Health and Well-being, 4 Quality Education, 9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure.
University of Hamburg, DE
Partners:
- University of Crete, EL
- University of Palermo, IT
- Heinrich Heine University Duesseldorf, DE
- Utrecht University, NL
- University of Edinburgh, UK
- Paris Sciences et Lettres (PSL) University, FR
- University of Aarhus, DK
- Navhetec S.r.l., IT
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, NL
- ENgreen SAS, FR
- TAmiRNA GmbH, AT
- Serendip Innovations SAS, FR
- Microsynth AG, CH
- accelopment Schweiz AG, CH
