Mechanical Characterisation of Nucleic Acids using Single Molecule Methods (MeCHaNiSM)

Research Project, 2024 – 2028

Nucleic acid (NAs)-based therapies have started to yield major advances in the treatment of human disease. New approaches for understanding NA structure and function are required to extend the boundaries of today’s gene editing technologies, cancer therapies, and mRNA vaccines. Single-molecule techniques have revolutionised our understanding of NAs and their interactions with therapeutic oligonucleotides, small molecules, and proteins.

However, for Europe to remain competitive in this area, new expertise is urgently required in single-molecule NA analysis, which intersects the fields of physical chemistry, biophysics, NA synthesis, and computation. MeChaNiSM will train the next generation of European scientific leaders in the development and use of single-molecule biophysics techniques where they will investigate critical interrelated question regarding the structure, dynamics, function, and interactions of NAs. To do this, our Doctoral Candidates (DCs) will:
- Unravel high-resolution NA structures and intramolecular forces with modified bases
- Understand the conformation and dynamics of NAs at the single-molecule level
- Develop next-generation therapeutics for treating genetic diseases
MeChaNiSM connects world-leading researchers working in the fields of single-molecule biophysics, NA chemistry, and computational modeling with outstanding industrial partners working in complementary fields.

In addition to conducting world-class research, our DCs will understand industrial needs, have know-how in running multidisciplinary research, and will be immersed in a broad collaborative network connecting academia and industry. Our DCs will provide vital future breakthrough applications in NAs and single-molecule analysis to pharmaceutical and biotechnological industries where the design of new drugs - including NA-based therapeutics and vaccine technologies - will provide major improvements to human health.