RNA structure and viral genomics partner for antiviral discovery

RNA Forecast e.U. seeks to join a consortium preparing a proposal for HORIZON-HLTH-2027-01-DISEASE-05: Development of novel small molecule antiviral therapeutics for pathogens with epidemic potential.

We offer specialist computational RNA biology and virus bioinformatics expertise, with particular interest in tick-borne encephalitis/Japanese encephalitis viruses and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus.

OUR CONTRIBUTION

RNA Forecast can take responsibility for defined computational research tasks linking viral genome variation and RNA structure to antiviral target selection and experimental validation:

• Comparative viral genomics: curate sequence datasets and identify conserved regions across strains, lineages and related viruses to assess potential breadth of target coverage.

• RNA target prioritisation: identify and characterise conserved structured RNA elements involved in viral replication or translation, providing evidence to prioritise candidates for experimental investigation as small-molecule targets.

• Structural robustness and variation: assess how naturally occurring variants or experimentally observed resistance mutations may affect RNA folding and target conservation.

• Experimental design and interpretation: design RNA constructs and targeted mutations to test structural and functional hypotheses, and integrate RNA structure-probing results with computational predictions.

• Reproducible analysis: deliver documented workflows, comparative target maps and interpretable results that support decisions across the consortium.

RELEVANT EXPERTISE

RNA Forecast is an Austrian SME founded by Michael T. Wolfinger, a computational RNA biologist and long-standing co-developer of the ViennaRNA Package. Relevant research experience includes flavivirus and alphavirus genomics, conserved viral untranslated-region elements, RNA folding and sequence–structure–function relationships.

COOPERATION SOUGHT

We seek coordinators and consortia combining experimental virology, small-molecule screening, medicinal chemistry and antiviral development. We are particularly interested in projects where viral RNA structure analysis can support target selection, clarify mechanisms of action or assess target conservation and resistance.

Our intended role is as an SME research beneficiary responsible for a defined computational task or work package, with deliverables developed jointly with experimental partners.

Website: https://rnaforecast.com
Scientific publications: https://michaelwolfinger.com/publications/